San Antonio-Class Amphibious Transport Docks: A Game-Changer in Naval Warfare
The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks are a class of ships used by the United States Navy to transport troops, equipment, and supplies. These ships play a critical role in the Navy’s ability to project power ashore and support expeditionary operations. Here are five key facts about the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks:
Design and Construction
The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks were designed to replace the older Austin-class and Cleveland-class amphibious transport docks. The ships were built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (now Huntington Ingalls Industries) in Avondale, Louisiana, and BAE Systems in Norfolk, Virginia. The first ship in the class, USS San Antonio (LPD-17), was commissioned in 2006.
Key Features
- Length: 684 feet (208.5 meters)
- Beam: 105 feet (32 meters)
- Draft: 23 feet (7 meters)
- Displacement: approximately 25,000 tons
- Speed: 22 knots (25 mph)
- Crew: 360 sailors and officers
- Troop capacity: 720 Marines and sailors
- Cargo capacity: 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters)
Capabilities and Operations
The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks are designed to support a wide range of operations, including:
- Amphibious assaults: The ships can carry and deploy a variety of amphibious vehicles, including landing craft, air-cushion vehicles, and amphibious tanks.
- Expeditionary operations: The ships can transport troops, equipment, and supplies to support expeditionary operations ashore.
- Humanitarian assistance: The ships can be used to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
- Special operations: The ships can be used to support special operations forces.
Armament and Defense Systems
The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks are equipped with a range of armament and defense systems, including:
- 2 x MK 46 30mm guns
- 2 x MK 38 25mm guns
- 2 x RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers
- 2 x Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
- AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System
Notable Deployments and Operations
The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks have been deployed in support of a number of notable operations, including:
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: USS San Antonio (LPD-17) was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2006.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: USS New Orleans (LPD-18) was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009.
- Humanitarian assistance: USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) was deployed in support of humanitarian assistance operations in Haiti in 2010.
🚨 Note: The San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks are an essential part of the Navy's amphibious warfare capabilities, and have played a critical role in a number of notable operations.
What is the main purpose of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks?
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The main purpose of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks is to transport troops, equipment, and supplies to support expeditionary operations ashore.
How many San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks have been built?
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A total of 12 San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks have been built, with the most recent ship, USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28), being commissioned in 2022.
What is the top speed of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks?
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The top speed of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks is 22 knots (25 mph).
In conclusion, the San Antonio-class amphibious transport docks are a critical component of the Navy’s amphibious warfare capabilities, providing a versatile and reliable platform for transporting troops, equipment, and supplies to support expeditionary operations ashore. With their advanced capabilities and defenses, these ships have played a key role in a number of notable operations, and will continue to be an essential part of the Navy’s fleet for years to come.
Related Terms:
- wasp class
- Kapal induk kelas Nimitz
- Austin class lpd
- Raleigh class
- Makassar Class
- Tarawa class
