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HII Advances Amphibious Warfare Programs with Start of USS Philadelphia LPD 32 Fabrication.


According to information published by HII on January 29, 2025, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division has begun fabrication of Philadelphia (LPD 32), marking a significant milestone in the U.S. Navy’s San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock program. The start of fabrication indicates that the first 100 tons of steel have been cut, initiating the structural phase of construction. As a Flight II variant, Philadelphia is part of the Navy’s effort to modernize its amphibious fleet by replacing aging dock landing ships with a more capable and versatile platform.
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Fabrication begins on Philadelphia (LPD 32), marking a key milestone in the U.S. Navy’s San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock program. (Picture source: HII)


Ingalls Shipbuilding remains the sole producer of the San Antonio-class, having delivered 13 ships (LPD 17 through LPD 29) to the fleet. Currently, three Flight II variants—Harrisburg (LPD 30), Pittsburgh (LPD 31), and Philadelphia (LPD 32)—are under construction. A contract awarded in September 2024 secured the procurement of three additional ships (LPD 33, LPD 34, and LPD 35), ensuring continued production of the class.

The San Antonio-class is designed to support amphibious operations by transporting and deploying Marines, their vehicles, equipment, and aviation assets. These 25,000-ton displacement vessels incorporate a well deck for landing craft, a flight deck capable of operating MV-22 Ospreys and CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters, and advanced command-and-control facilities for coordinating expeditionary operations.

The Flight II configuration, introduced with LPD 30, represents a cost-adjusted evolution of the class. While it retains the core amphibious capabilities of the original LPD 17 Flight I ships, Flight II incorporates modifications to streamline production and reduce overall program costs. These changes include the removal of some high-end command-and-control systems found on earlier variants while preserving essential capabilities for Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) operations.

The initiation of Philadelphia’s fabrication comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the future of U.S. amphibious warfare and naval force structure. The San Antonio-class, particularly the Flight II variants, is intended to replace the aging Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) classes of dock landing ships. While those vessels primarily functioned as well deck transporters with limited aviation facilities, the LPD Flight II design offers greater aviation integration, survivability, and command capabilities.

Amphibious transport docks play a central role in distributed maritime operations, supporting missions ranging from amphibious assault and crisis response to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The growing emphasis on expeditionary advanced base operations (EABO) and stand-in forces, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, increases the relevance of flexible amphibious platforms capable of supporting both kinetic and non-kinetic missions.

However, the long-term trajectory of the LPD program remains subject to budgetary constraints and evolving operational priorities. The Navy has previously signaled interest in a more distributed amphibious fleet structure, potentially incorporating smaller, more numerous amphibious platforms alongside traditional large-deck amphibious ships. Debate continues over the balance between high-capability, high-cost ships like the LPD Flight II and the need for lower-cost alternatives to support distributed operations in contested environments.

Additionally, shifting strategic requirements in the face of near-peer competition, particularly in the Pacific, may influence future procurement decisions. While the San Antonio-class provides a robust capability for traditional amphibious operations, its ability to operate in highly contested environments with advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) threats remains a consideration for fleet planners.


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