Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division recently received a $1.47 billion, fixed-price contract from the U.S. Navy for the design and construction of another amphibious transport dock.
The ship will be a San Antonio class vessel, supporting Marine Air Ground Task Forces as they conduct amphibious and expeditionary missions and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
The ships use an air cushion or a conventional landing craft supported by amphibious assault vehicles to embark and land Marines and their equipment and supplies. The process is augmented by helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
The newest ship will be the 14th San Antonio class vessel and the first Flight II LPD.
The new ship will be used for the same types of military operations but has an advanced dock landing platform. Construction will begin next year.
“Ingalls looks forward to continuing our strong legacy of providing the men and women of our naval forces with the capable and survivable warships they need and deserve,” Brian Cuccias, Ingalls Shipbuilding president, said.
Ingalls has two San Antonio class ships under construction. The Fort Lauderdale will be delivered in 2021, and the keel for Richard M. McCool Jr. will be laid this year.