In a ceremony rich with tradition and pride, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) recently christened the USS Harrisburg (LPD 30), the US Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock vessel.
Held at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the event celebrated not just the christening of a state-of-the-art warship but also the craftsmanship and dedication of the shipbuilders and the enduring purpose behind their work.
Honoring Harrisburg’s Legacy
Named after Pennsylvania’s capital, the USS Harrisburg pays homage to a city steeped in American history.
From its pivotal role during the Westward Migration and the Civil War to its contributions to the Industrial Revolution, Harrisburg has long stood as a symbol of resilience and leadership.
This legacy is reflected in the ship’s co-sponsors, Alexandra Curry and Jennifer Díaz, who officially christened the vessel by smashing a bottle of sparkling wine across its bow during the ceremony.
Rear Adm. Tom Anderson, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Christopher Mahoney, and Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette all spoke at the event, emphasizing the ship’s significance and the teamwork required to bring it to life.
In a ceremony rich with tradition and pride, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) recently christened the USS Harrisburg (LPD 30), the US Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock vessel.
Held at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the event celebrated not just the christening of a state-of-the-art warship but also the craftsmanship and dedication of the shipbuilders and the enduring purpose behind their work.
Honoring Harrisburg’s Legacy
Named after Pennsylvania’s capital, the USS Harrisburg pays homage to a city steeped in American history.
From its pivotal role during the Westward Migration and the Civil War to its contributions to the Industrial Revolution, Harrisburg has long stood as a symbol of resilience and leadership.
This legacy is reflected in the ship’s co-sponsors, Alexandra Curry and Jennifer Díaz, who officially christened the vessel by smashing a bottle of sparkling wine across its bow during the ceremony.
Rear Adm. Tom Anderson, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Christopher Mahoney, and Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette all spoke at the event, emphasizing the ship’s significance and the teamwork required to bring it to life.
A Cutting-Edge Design: The Flight II Configuration
The USS Harrisburg is not just another San Antonio-class ship; it is the first to feature the advanced Flight II configuration. This upgrade introduces over 200 system improvements, focusing on cost-effectiveness and enhanced capabilities.
Designed to replace aging amphibious ships that have served since the 1960s, the Harrisburg is a technological marvel.
At 684 feet (208 meters) long, it can accommodate over 600 passengers, supporting troops, amphibious vehicles, and aircraft for secure transport between sea and land.
Equipped with electronic warfare systems, search and rescue radar, missiles, and machine guns, the Harrisburg is ready for expeditionary warfare, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief missions.
Powered by four diesel engines generating 41,600 horsepower, the vessel can reach speeds exceeding 22 knots (25 miles/41 kilometers per hour), ensuring swift deployment to critical areas.
The ship’s expanded logistics and medical capabilities, along with provisions for future deck modifications, further solidify its place as a versatile asset in the Navy’s arsenal.
Development and Construction
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding is the sole provider of San Antonio-class ships, having delivered the first 13 vessels to the Navy.
The USS Harrisburg is part of a broader effort to modernize and expand the Navy’s capabilities, with the Pittsburgh (LPD 31) and Philadelphia (LPD 32) currently under construction.
In September 2024, the Navy awarded HII a $9.5 billion contract to build three additional San Antonio-class ships (LPDs 33-35) by 2035, further demonstrating the importance of this class in the Navy’s strategic planning.
A Critical Role in the Navy’s Future
The USS Harrisburg represents more than just a ship; it is a cornerstone of the Navy’s mission to maintain a persistent forward presence and respond effectively to global challenges. With its advanced design and capabilities, the Harrisburg will play a key role in expeditionary operations, ensuring the Navy and Marine Corps remain agile and prepared for any scenario.
As Maj. Gen. Christopher Mahoney aptly stated during the christening ceremony, the Harrisburg embodies the strength of America’s shipbuilders, the skill of its sailors, and the indomitable spirit of the Marines who will serve aboard her.
“When you take America’s greatest shipbuilders, and you add to them, the world’s best sailors and a few hundred angry Marines, you’ve got USS Harrisburg,” Mahoney said. “This is where America’s amphibious shipbuilding muscle gets flexed and is a start point to return us, as a Navy-Marine Corps team, to persistent presence forward to face what I believe to be a generational challenge and contest.”
As the Navy prepares to integrate this next-generation vessel into its fleet, the USS Harrisburg stands as a testament to innovation, collaboration, and the enduring commitment to national security. Whether defending the homeland or providing humanitarian aid, this ship is poised to make a significant impact for years to come.
