Fabrication begun for LPD-29

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) started fabrication of the 13th LPD-17 San Antonio class ship (LPD-29) on July 30, at its shipyard in Pascagoula. The start of fabrication signifies that the first 100 tons of steel have been cut. "We are excited to commence fabrication on the 13th and final ship of the LPD-17 Flight I class," said Capt. Brian Metcalf, LPD 17 program manager. LPD-29 is named in honor of Navy veteran Capt. Richard M. McCool, Jr., who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1945 for heroism, after his ship was attacked by kamikaze aircraft and he led efforts to save the ship and rescue injured sailors. The principal mission of LPD-17 San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ships is to transport and deploy the combat and support elements of Marine expeditionary units and special operation units; and will be able to debark air cushion or amphibious assault vehicles, and accommodate nearly all sizes of Marine helicopters, including the MV-22 Osprey. The Navy awarded the detail design and construction contract for LPD-29 to HII in February. Eleven San Antonio class ships have been delivered, the latest being USS Portland (LPD 27), which was commissioned in April. LPD-28 and 29 will serve as transition ships to LPD-30, the first ship of the LPD 17 Flight II class. LPD Flight II class ships will be the replacement for the Navy's LSD 41/49 class ships. (Source: Naval Sea Systems Command 07/30/18)