Marine Support Ship Christened

The USS San Diego(LPD 22),an amphibious transport dock ship,was christened on 12 June in Pascagoula,Mississippi.She is the sixth ship of the San Antonio class of LPD,supporting the U.S. Marine Corps mobility triad of landing craft air cushion,MV-22 Osprey aircraft and expeditionary fighting vehicles.The San Diego can transport up to 800 Marines and their equipment,including helicopters.
Three more LPDs are under construction,which will bring the total number up to eight ships.These LPDs can sail at a speed of 22+ knots.They are manned by a complement of 350 officers and Sailors,plus three Marines.Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor,with Raytheon being among the major subcontractors,providing electronic systems integration.
Northrop Grumman(NOC),Raytheon(RTN)