The to-be USS San Diego successfully completed builder’s trials and is a step closer to being delivered to the Navy, the service said yesterday.
The builder’s trials measure performance and identify any possible construction discrepancies. Huntington Ingalls Industries’ [HII] Pascagoula, Miss., yard will correct any defects as the ship moves closer to Navy acceptance trials and eventual delivery to the fleet, which could come later this year, LPD-17 program manager said Jay Stefany said.
HII conducted comprehensive tests intended to prove the performance of the combat and communications systems, propulsion plant, ship handling, damage control capabilities, and auxiliary systems. Additionally, the Engineering Control System and Ship Control Systems were tested.
“These were the first Builder’s Trials of an LPD 17-class ship executed out of the Ingalls Pascagoula facility in four years; and it is clear that HII is incorporating many lessons learned from earlier LPD 17-class ships,” Stefany said.
The LPD-22 completed a full power run, self-defense detect to engage exercise, evaluation of key combat and communications systems, rapid ballast/de-ballast, quick reversals ahead and astern, steering checks, and an anchor handling demonstration.
LPD is the sixth of the LPD-17 class of amphibious transport dock ships and the second one to be entirely built in Pascagoula.
The ship is scheduled for commissioning in 2012 and will be ported in the city of its name.