$1.4 billion dollars on the hoof

[unhappycamper]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio_class_amphibious_transport_dock




USS San Antonio (LPD-17)



The San Antonio class is the United States Navy's new primary class of amphibious transport dock (LPD) in the beginning of 21st century.<1> It will be replacing the older Austin-, Cleveland-, and Trenton- class LPDs as well as the Anchorage-class dock landing ships, Newport-class tank landing ships, and one class that has already been retired, the Charleston-class amphibious cargo ships.<1>

Thus, the twelve planned San Antonios will replace a total of 41 ships; however the San Antonio class's funding was reduced as a result of budget cuts, and only ten ships will be funded. There are currently five San Antonio-class LPDs under construction and four in commission as of January 2009; LPDs 26 through 28 are planned, but have not been awarded to a shipyard or all named.<2> The final unit cost for each ship is not yet known, but cost of the first ship of the class, the USS San Antonio (LPD 17), was nearly $1.4 billion USD.<3>


This post was prompted by the triumphant entry of the USS New York into the NY harbor.

http://www.newsday.com/polopoly_fs/1.1561706.1257173250!image/3325026222.JPG_gen/derivatives/display_600/3325026222.JPG