The U.S. Navy awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) a $98 million cost-plus-fixed-fee advance procurement contract modification for long-lead materials for LPD 27, the 11th amphibious transport dock ship of the USS San Antonio (LPD 17) class.The work, which will be conducted by the Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, will include the purchase of long-lead-time materials and major equipment in support of the new ship, such as main engines and diesel generators and other equipment, including electrical switchboards, deck equipment and fire extinguishing systems.This is the second advance procurement contract for LPD 27. The first contract was awarded in October 2010. "This contract provides means to continue our development and efficient planning to build LPD 27," said Doug Lounsberry, vice president and program manager of the LPD program, Ingalls Shipbuilding. "It is necessary for our supply chain management so the essential equipment will be aligned and ready to effectively meet our schedule commitments with our Navy customer." The 11 ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy's ability to project power ashore. Collectively, the ships functionally replace more than 40 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113 and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships), providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to operate with 21st century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey and the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV).

The LPD 17-class ships are 684 feet long and 105 feet wide and displace approximately 25,000 tons. Their principal mission is to deploy the combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ships can carry up to 800 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion (LCAC) or conventional landing craft and EFVs, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft such as the MV-22. These ships will support amphibious assault, special operations or expeditionary warfare missions through the first half of the 21st century.