The US Navy is to christen its newest amphibious Transport Dock Ship the 'John P. Murtha'.
Designated LPD 26, 'John P. Murtha' is the tenth amphibious transport dock ship in the San Antonio class. These versatile ships incorporate both a flight deck to accommodate CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and a well deck that can launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles.
The San Antonio class' increased vehicle space and substantial cargo carrying capacity make it a key element of 21st century Amphibious Ready Groups, Expeditionary Strike Groups, and Joint Task Forces.
'John P. Murtha' will provide improved warfighting capabilities, including an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift capability, in vehicle and cargo carrying capacity and advanced ship survivability features. The ship is capable of embarking a landing force of up to 669 troops and a surge capacity of up to 800.
The ship will be crewed by 381 officers, enlisted personnel and marines. It is being built at the HII shipyard.
The ship is 208 metres in length, has an overall beam of 32 metres, and a navigational draught of 7 metres. Four turbo-charged diesels power the ship to sustained speeds of 22 knots.