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Caption:
New Orleans, La. (Aug 30, 2002) -- Pre-commissioning unit San Antonio
(LPD 17) is under construction at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems,
Avondale Operations. San Antonio achieved a major construction
milestone, passing the fifty percent completion point. The
Landing Platform Dock 17, San Antonio Class, is the latest class of
amphibious force ship for the United States Navy. The mission of the
San Antonio Class is to transport the US Marine Corps "mobility triad"
that is, Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAAVs), air-cushioned
landing craft (LCAC), and the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft to
trouble spots around the world. Construction of the first ship,
the San Antonio (LPD 17), began in June 2000 and is scheduled for
delivery to the Navy in the spring of 2003. U.S. Navy photo by Spike
Thibodeaux. (RELEASED)
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