Ship launched in Pascagoula

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The Navy amphibious ship that will be named San Diego was launched Friday in Pascagoula. It’s the fourth Navy vessel to be named for the city and will be delivered to the Navy in 2011. The 684-foot amphibious transport dock ship built by Northrop Grumman will be christened in June. The LPD 17 class of amphibious transport dock ships can carry up to 720 troops along with air-cushioned and conventional landing craft, expeditionary fighting vehicles, helicopters and vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. (Sources: San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego News Network, 05/07/10)