San Antonio class amphibious transport dock

The "San Antonio" class is the United States Navy's new primary class of amphibious transport dock (LPD) in the beginning of 21st centurycite web |url= http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=600&ct=4 |title= US Navy Fact File: Amphibious Transport Dock — LPD |publisher= U.S. Navy |date= 2006-12-14 |accessdate= 2008-09-11] . It will be replacing the older "Austin"-, "Cleveland"-, and "Trenton"- class LPDs as well as the "Anchorage"-class dock landing ships, "Newport"-class tank landing ships, and one class that has already been retired, the "Charleston"-class amphibious cargo ships.

Thus, the twelve planned "San Antonio"s will replace a total of 41 ships; however the "San Antonio" class's funding may be reduced in 2006 as a result of suspected budget cuts, and only nine ships will likely be funded. There are currently six "San Antonio"-class LPDs under construction and three in commission as of April 2008; LPDs 26 through 28 are planned, but have not been awarded to a shipyard or all namedcite web |url= http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/lpd-17.htm |title= LPD-17 SAN ANTONIO Class |publisher= Globalsecurity.org |date= 2006-07-28 |accessdate= 2008-09-11] .

Design & development

The class's increased vehicle and substantial cargo carrying capacity will make it a key element of 21st century Amphibious Ready Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, or Joint task forces. The 12 ships of the new class integrate the latest in shipbuilding and warfighting technologies to support current and future Marine Corps aircraft, the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles (EFVs) and both air cushion or conventional landing craft.

The "San Antonio"s are designed to be the most survivable amphibious ships ever put to sea. The design incorporates state-of-the-art self-defense capabilities; and includes facilities for Command and Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I); and reduced radar cross-section signature technologies. Reduced operational costs and an improved capability to incorporate technological advances over its 40-year service life are also essential design objectives. The Advanced Enclosed Mast/Sensors, which enclose the ship's radars and communications antennas, characterize the ship's distinctive profile.

The ship's ability to carry Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCACs) and EFVs, the Shipboard Wide Area Network with over 762 fiber optic drops, Total Ship's Training System, Integrated Bridge System, Engineering Control System, and Damage Control System all serve to ensure that sailors and Marines will be able to fully perform their expeditionary warfare missions. The "San Antonio"s also incorporate the latest quality of life standards for the embarked Marines and sailors, including the sit-up berth, ship services mall, and Learning Resource Center/Electronic Classroom with the flexibility to accommodate sailors and Marines of both sexes as part of the crew and embarked troops.

Photo Gallery

In Fiction

*In the video game , two San Antonio-class LPDs can be seen in the water. They are called "Alamo-class Missile Destroyer"s despite retaining the flight deck and well deck.

References

External link

* [http://www.pms317.navy.mil/ The "San Antonio" class's Web site]