New Orleans Arrives At Homeport San Diego
San Diego welcomed USS New Orleans (LPD 18), the Navy’s newest surface ship, as it arrived at its new homeport May 3. New Orleans, the second of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport ships, is the first of its class homeported on the West Coast. She is a Hurricane Katrina survivor and the first ship built and commissioned in her namesake city. “The ship's building process was put on hold during the hurricane, but was continued as the work forces started to operate again," said New Orleans Commanding Officer Cmdr. John B. Skillman. “This ship is a great addition for us here in San Diego,” said Commander Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Mark W. Balmert. “This ship brings a new generation of warfighting here.
Sen. Vitter: New Orleans 'Embodies a New Culture of Technological Growth And Economic Progress'
Speaking to a crowd of more than 5,000, U.S. Sen. David Vitter of La., described the Northrop Grumman-built amphibious transport dock ship New Orleans (LPD 18) as a ship that ``embodies a new culture of technological growth and economic progress not only for the Navy and Marines, but also for the city of New Orleans and Louisiana. The ship was commissioned into the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet here today on the banks of the Mississippi River. ``I want to honor today the talented, dedicated and proud citizens of Louisiana who have produced this magnificent ship behind me,'' said Sen. Vitter. New Orleans is one of the most technologically advanced and sailor-friendly ships ever built. The ship's sponsor, Carolyn Johnson Shelton, wife of former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S.
