"We
have now completed successful sea trials on nine LPDs, and each ship
continues to get better than the previous one," said Mike Duthu,
Ingalls' director of the LPD program. "Our shipbuilders, and specifically
the LPD 25 team, did an outstanding job in getting this ship prepared
for this trial."
"Somerset proved herself ready as we demonstrated major systems
onboard the ship," Duthu said. "We have a very active production
line associated with the LPD program, and through our new build strategies,
more outfitting is taking place earlier in the process, which improves
our efficiency. We will continue this trend on LPD 26 and LPD 27."
The U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) observed more
than 200 test events performed on the ship by Ingalls' test and trials
team. The team thoroughly tested the ship's systems, including anchor
handling, flight operations, steering, navigation, and ballasting and
de-ballasting the well deck and a full power demonstration. |
"LPD
25 is a great ship, and she performed well for INSURV," said Richard
Schenk, Ingalls' vice president of test and trials. "Once again,
our strong partnership with the Navy/SupShip team worked well during
this acceptance trial. This trial is a credit to the test and trials
team and all the dedicated shipbuilders who played a part in building
Somerset. A 'well done' to everyone associated with this acceptance
trial."
Somerset is named to honor the courage of the passengers and crew members
of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed on Sept. 11, 2001, near
Shanksville in Somerset County, Pa.
The ships are meant to provide the Navy and Marine Corps with modern,
sea-based platforms that are networked and survivable. They have the
capability of transporting and debarking air cushion or conventional
landing craft and expeditionary fighting vehicles, augmented by helicopters
or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, such as the MV-22 Osprey.
Two other LPDs are also under construction at the Pascagoula shipyard.
John P. Murtha (LPD 26) is slated for completion in 2016, and Portland
(LPD 27) will complete in 2017.
In addition to more than 10,000 Ingalls shipbuilders, there are 650
suppliers from 38 states that support the LPD 17 program. Ingalls spends
approximately $175 million a year with this vital industrial base. |
