HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division has authenticated the keel for the future USS Philadelphia (LPD 32), a US Navy Flight II San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship.
As part of the ceremony, Ingalls Structural Welder Cory Dillon etched the sponsor’s initials into a ceremonial steel plate, a long-standing naval tradition symbolizing the ship’s official start of construction. The plate will remain permanently affixed to Philadelphia throughout its service life.
LPD 32 is one of three Flight II San Antonio-class ships currently under construction at Ingalls.
Flight II ships are designed to replace the aging Whidbey Island-class (LSD 41) and Harpers Ferry-class (LSD 49) dock landing ships.
These vessels will serve as a cornerstone of the Navy’s 21st-century expeditionary force, supporting Marine and Navy operations in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, maritime security and military missions.
“Philadelphia will be one of the most versatile platforms in the fleet, and I have a special appreciation for each shipyard worker that is a part of the team that will support this vessel for 40 years,” Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said.
Ingalls Shipbuilding is the sole builder of San Antonio -class ships and, to date, has delivered 13 LPDs to the US Navy.
Ingalls is currently constructing three Flight II vessels: Harrisburg (LPD 30), Pittsburgh (LPD 31), and Philadelphia (LPD 32), and has received contracts for the construction of LPD 33, LPD 34, and LPD 35.