By Program Executive Office Ships Public Affairs
The Navy accepted delivery of (LPD 20) from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB) in , Aug. 29. This is the fourth ship of the class of amphibious transport dock ships that NGSB has delivered.
Accepting for the Navy during a simple onboard ceremony was Capt. Beth Dexter, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, and ’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Joe Olson. Following the delivery ceremony, the crew of boarded their ship. The ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Rose Magnus, and her husband, retired Marine Corps Gen. Robert Magnus, joined the crew for their first onboard meal in the “Lambeau Lounge.” With the move aboard the ship, the crew started their regular duties of standing watches, preparing meals, training and conducting post delivery testing.
During the next two-and-a-half months, as Northrop Grumman Avondale Operations puts the finishing touches on the ship, the crew will be participating in various inspections and crew certification events, including a Light-Off Assessment before they depart .
In late November, will transit through the Panama Canal enroute to its homeport of where it will join sister ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). In late January 2009, will be commissioned in a formal ceremony in