Article Posted on : - Oct 21, 2010

The Northrop Grumman-built USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), the third ship in the LPD 17 class, sails in the Gulf of Mexico during sea trials. LPD 27 would be the 11th ship in the class. Photo: Northrop Grumman Corporation.

PASCAGOULA, MISSISSIPPI (BNS): US Navy has awarded $62 million worth advance procurement contract to the Northrop Grumman Corporation for providing long lead materials for LPD 27, the11th amphibious transport dock ship of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) class.

According to the company news release, the funds will be used to purchase long lead time materials and major equipment in support of the new ship, such as main engines and diesel generators and other equipment including electrical switchboards, deck equipment and fire extinguishing systems.

"This procurement contract enables us to focus on effective and efficient supply chain management and move forward with the advanced purchase materials and equipment that will help us meet our schedule commitments with our Navy customer," Tim Farrell, vice president and programme manager of the LPD programme for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding–Gulf Coast, was quoted as saying in the release.

The work will be performed at the company's Gulf Coast facilities.

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long, 105 feet wide and displace approximately 25,000 tonnes. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades.

The ship can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and EFVs, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22.