Fabrication has begun of the US Navy's LPD - 29,last of the LPD - 17 San Antonio-class Flight I amphibious transport dock ship.It is to be christened USS Richard M. McCool Jr,after a Medal of Honor winner and veteran of three wars.CAPT McCool received the Medal of Honor in 1945 for leading the effort to save his ship and her crew after a kamikaze attack in World War II.
Huntington Ingalls Industries is fabricating the warship in Pascagoula,Mississippi.The vessel is designed to transport US Marine Corps expeditionary units and brigades (up to around 720 troops) and their equipment,including air cushion vehicles;amphibious assault vehicles;helicopters;and MV-22 Ospreys.The class is intended to support amphibious assault;special operations;and expeditionary warfare missions until about 2050.*
LPD - 28 and LPD - 29 are designated transition ships of the class.Flight II,formerly called LX (R),will consist of 13 ships,bringing the total to 26 ships for the entire class.Changes to the Flight II are relatively subtle,including the addition of Roller Doors for the Flight Deck Ramp and Hangar Doors;Traditional Stick Masts;an MV-22 Flight Deck Heating Structure;and an Open Upper Stern Gate.The alterations will not change the way most watches are stood,as these will stay the same at the ship operations level,according to program manager CAPT Brian Metcalf.*
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII)
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