Navy Accepts Delivery of Mesa Verde LPD 19

The Navy accepted delivery of Mesa Verde (LPD 19) from Northrop Grumman Ship Systems on Sept. 28. This marked the third of the San Antonio class of amphibious transport dock ships that the NGSS has delivered. Accepting for the Navy during a simple ceremony aboard the ship was Capt. Beth Dexter, the supervisor of shipbuilding representative for the Gulf Coast. On Oct. 1, the crew moved aboard the 684 foot-long warship. For the first time, Mesa Verde Sailors and Marines assumed their regular duties, such as standing watches, preparing meals for the crew and training. Over the next two months, as Northrop Grumman Ingalls Operations puts the finishing touches on the ship, the crew will be participating in various inspections and certifications including a Light-Off Assessment. Early in December, Mesa Verde will leave Pascagoula for commissioning at Panama City, Fla., on Dec. 15 before transit to the ship’s new homeport of Norfolk, Va.