LPD 27 completes first sea trials

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding Division announced July 3 that the amphibious transport dock Portland (LPD 27) has completed a first set of sea trials. Ingalls’ test and trials team spent four days in the Gulf of Mexico operating the 11th San Antonio-class ship and demonstrating its systems. “These are complex vessels, and I’m proud of our workforce, who have the skills and knowledge it takes to design, build and test these American warships,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. Major testing included anchor-handling, ballast/de-ballast of the ship’s well deck, detect-to-engage, full power ahead and astern and steering demonstrations. Ingalls is now preparing the Portland for acceptance trials in August, when the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey will conduct inspections and witness final demonstrations before the ship is delivered. Ingalls has delivered 10 San Antonio-class ships to the Navy, including the John P. Murtha (LPD 26) in 2016. Ingalls will lay the keel for the 12th (Fort Lauderdale LPD 28) this fall. On June 30, Ingalls was awarded an advance procurement contract for LPD 29. (Source: Huntington Ingalls 07/03/17)