The future USS New York (LPD-21), the fifth ship of the San Antonio-class of amphibious ships, was launched last month from Northrop Grumman [NOC] Ship Systems in Avondale, La., the company said.
Throughout 2008, Northrop Grumman will continue to complete this 684-foot-long warship. Key milestones such as electrical generator, combat systems, and main engine light-offs will occur as building and testing continue in the shipyard, Northrop Grumman said.
The New York will be christened in a ceremony in Avondale on March 1, 2008, and is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in 2009.
In 2003, New York‘s keel was laid and in 2004, the Amite Foundry melted tons of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center to cast the ship’s bow stem. The bow stem was eventually joined to the remainder of the bow section and last year became a part of the ship’s hull. With the launching, World Trade Center steel will always lead the ship wherever the future USS New York sails, according to Northrop Grumman.