Avondale built LPD wraps up trials

The Avondale, La., built San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) recently completed five days of sea trials following an eight-month, $16 million maintenance period near its home port in San Diego. The crew tested damage control systems, navigational equipment and the propulsion plant, according to the Navy. The downtime followed an 8-month deployment. USS New Orleans is preparing for a Navy Board of Inspection and Survey review to test crews and systems as to whether it is ready for combat. The Big Easy, as the crew calls the ship, was built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Avondale; and commissioned in March 2007 during a Mississippi River ceremony. The Avondale shipyard closed last year. Source: Times-Picayune 03/19/15)