With the departure of the Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) from Ingalls Shipbuilding facilities, the U.S. Navy is preparing to commission a new San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, the 13th ship in this new class. The announcement, made by the American firm on August 22, follows the news reported in April when the Navy accepted delivery of the new ship.
The future USS M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) is the 13th amphibious transport dock in the new San Antonio class to be commissioned by the U.S. Navy, and the last unit of the original configuration built by HII, while the shipyard progresses with the construction of two Flight II variant units. However, this has not prevented the new LPD from incorporating new technologies, such as an upgraded air surveillance system based on the SPY-6(V)2 radar, among other improvements.
Regarding the construction of the new San Antonio-class Flight II ships, HII stated: “Currently, Ingalls has two Flight II LPDs under construction, including Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Pittsburgh (LPD 31). In March 2023, Ingalls received a contract modification for the detailed design and construction of Philadelphia (LPD 32), the sixteenth ship in the San Antonio class and the third LPD Flight II.”
As for the new ship that departed from Ingalls facilities en route to Pensacola, Florida, the shipyard expressed that the commissioning ceremony is expected to take place in the first days of September. “I am filled with a profound sense of honor and purpose to see LPD 29 depart,” said Davianne Stokes, LPD Program Manager at Ingalls Shipbuilding. “Our shipbuilders have done an exceptional job, and I am grateful to be part of a team that plays such a crucial role in serving our armed forces.”
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