New San Antonio-class amphib commissioned

[unhappycamper]

New San Antonio-class amphib commissioned
The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Dec 16, 2007 11:06:42 EST

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The Navy’s newest ship, the amphibious transport dock Mesa Verde, has been commissioned.

Saturday’s ceremony was held in Bay County before a cheering crowd of 5,000 onlookers.

The massive landing transport dock is the third in a new San Antonio class of amphibious transport docks. The ship ended five years of construction, trials and preparations before formally joining the Atlantic Fleet.

The Mesa Verde, named after pre-Colombian native tribes in Colorado, is scheduled to depart Monday for its home port in Norfolk, Va.

The hour-long ceremony included music, prayer and speeches from former Colorado Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell and Vice Adm. Paul E. Sullivan.


Article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/12/ap_mesaverde_071216/



uhc comment: Meet the Mesa Verde:



Port-bow view of USS San Antonio


LPD 17 (San Antonio Class) Landing Platform Dock, USA

The Landing Platform Dock 17, San Antonio class, is the latest class of amphibious force ship for the United States Navy. The mission of the San Antonio class is to transport the US Marine Corps 'mobility triad' – that is, Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAAVs), air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC) and the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft – to trouble spots around the world.

Construction of the first ship of 12, the San Antonio (LPD 17), began in June 2000. It was launched in July 2003 and commissioned in January 2006. The San Antonio is homeported at Norfolk naval base, Virginia.

The second ship, New Orleans (LPD 18), was launched in November 2004, delivered in December 2006 and commissioned in March 2007. It was commissioned in March 2007. The third, Mesa Verde (LPD 19), was launched in January 2005 and is due to commission in November 2007.

The keel for the fourth, USS Green Bay (LPD 20), was laid in August 2003, was launched in August 2006 and will commission in 2008.


wikipedia sez:

The San Antonios are designed to be the most survivable amphibious ships ever put to sea. The design incorporates state-of-the-art self-defense capabilities; and includes facilities for Command and Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I); and reduced radar cross-section signature technologies. Reduced operational costs and an improved capability to incorporate technological advances over its 40-year service life are also essential design objectives. The Advanced Enclosed Mast/Sensors, which enclose the ship's radars and communications antennas, characterize the ship's distinctive profile. The ship's ability to carry Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCACs) and EFVs, the Shipboard Wide Area Network with over 762 fiber optic drops, Total Ship's Training System, Integrated Bridge System, Engineering Control System, and Damage Control System all serve to ensure that sailors and Marines will be able to fully perform their expeditionary warfare missions. The San Antonios also incorporate the latest quality of life standards for the embarked Marines and sailors, including the sit-up berth, ship services mall, and Learning Resource Center/Electronic Classroom with the flexibility to accommodate sailors and Marines of both sexes as part of the crew and embarked troops.



defenceindustrydaily noted:

Unfortunately, the initial ships have been criticized for sub-standard workmanship, and costs are almost twice the originally promised amounts. The 3rd ship of class, which was built at a different shipyard, recently provided a lone bright spot, and the Navy has issued a pair of support awards…


uhc again: The Mesa Verde is the 3rd ship. The above link has a pretty good timeline/cost overrun synopsis.