Latest in LPD series headed for delivery

[unhappycamper]

Latest in LPD series headed for delivery
By Alan Sayre - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Aug 25, 2008 7:21:38 EDT

AVONDALE, La. — The fourth in a series of amphibious warships is about to be turned over to the Navy and for everyone associated with the LPD 20, there’s a sense of awe.

The Green Bay — it officially becomes the USS Green Bay when commissioned Jan. 24 at Long Beach, Calif. — is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy on Aug. 29 by the Northrop Grumman Corp. shipyard in this New Orleans suburb.

Like its three sisters already in service — the San Antonio, New Orleans and Mesa Verde — the 25,000-ton Green Bay is 684 feet long and 105 feet wide, suitable for a naval crew of 360 and 800 Marines. It can carry landing vessels and helicopters to deliver the Marines to shore.

The vessel, which cost more than $1 billion, recently completed sea trials successfully.

“I love it,” said Northrop Grumman electrician Susie Davis, one of the company workers who went on the sailing trials. “To actually see it all come to a conclusion is breathtaking. It makes me want to join the military.”


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/08/ap_greenbay_082208/%2e