The LPD-17 Amphibious Transport Dock Ship program is one of six acquisition projects the Defense Department recently certified to Congress under the Nunn-McCurdy Law. The certification allows the programs to move forward, said Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Pete Aldridge, during a press roundtable May 2. The LPD-17, a program of Naval Sea Systems Command's Program Executive Office for Expeditionary Warfare, is a new class of amphibious transport dock ship incorporating advanced performance and warfighting technologies that will enhance the amphibious fleet's operational flexibility. There are four ships under contract leading to a 12-ship buy. "Ninety-five percent of the design has been completed," Aldridge said.