Named after the capital city of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg (LPD-30) will be the U.S. Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship and the first Flight II in the class.
The city of Harrisburg has played a key role in the development of the nation's industrial history from its origins as a trading outpost to the present. It also played a critical role in American history during the Westward Migration, the American Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution.
For part of the 19th century, the building of the Pennsylvania Canal and later the Pennsylvania Railroad allowed Harrisburg to become one of the most industrialized cities in the Northeast.
During the American Civil War, Harrisburg was a significant training center for the Union Army, making it a target for Confederate troops.
LPD 30 is the second ship in naval service named after the Pennsylvania city. However, it joins more than 30 others that have been named after cities, places and people in Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh (LPD 31) and Philadelphia (LPD 32), both of which are currently under construction at Ingalls. Harrisburg is the first Flight II LPD in the San Antonio class and incorporates multiple engineering and design changes from previous LPDs
Ingalls will celebrate the legacy of Harrisburg and the hard work and dedication of shipbuilders Saturday, January 11, at the christening of LPD 30. The christening will be streamed live beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Facebook and Youtube, with the event set to begin at 10 a.m.