Builder's
sea trials are conducted by the shipbuilder, testing a ship's major
systems, including combat, propulsion, ballasting, communications, navigation,
and mission systems. The trials allow the shipbuilder to identify and
fix any deficiencies prior to Navy acceptance trials this fall.
"Somerset performed well during builder's trials," said Capt.
Darren Plath, LPD 17 class program manager. "Her strong performance
honors the craftsmanship of the Avondale team and the courage of the
Americans for which the ship is named."
Somerset is the third and final ship named in commemoration of the heroes
of the September 11th attacks, with the previously completed USS New
York (LPD 21) and USS Arlington (LPD 24). LPD 25 is named for the passengers
and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, whose actions disrupted the terrorist
hijackers causing Flight 93 to crash in Somerset County, Pa. Steel from
the power shovel that overlooked the crash site during recovery was
melted down and cast into Somerset's bow stem.
During builder's trials, every ship system was evaluated from combat
and communications systems, propulsion plant, auxiliary systems, to
habitability and ship handling at-sea events. Somerset also completed
self-defense exercises, a full power run, steering, rapid ballast/de-ballast
operations, and an anchor handling demonstration.
Somerset is scheduled to deliver to the Navy this fall, and will be
commissioned next spring. LPD 26 and LPD 27 are under construction at
HII's Pascagoula, Miss. shipyard. Each LPD 17 class ship is designed
to deploy combat and support elements, including both a flight deck
and well deck, over 23,000 square feet in vehicle stowage, and capability
to support a landing force of up to 800 Marines.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations,
PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement
of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships,
and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs
managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies,
which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule. |
