New Orleans Meet New Orleans
The amphibious transport dock
ship New Orleans (LPD 18) sailed away from Northrop Grumman
Corporation's New Orleans facility early Monday morning for
her builder's sea trial. The 684-ft. ship sailed down the Mississippi
River past the New Orleans skyline en route to the Gulf of Mexico where
she will undergo testing of all the ship's systems while at sea.
Following sea trial, shipbuilders will continue to work final details
in preparation for the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey's
acceptance sea trial scheduled later this year. The ship is scheduled
to be delivered in early 2007.