Pictured above: USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) sits at Ingalls Shipbuilding just days after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. LDP 19 was readying for sea trials when the storm hit.
THE BIG PICTURE: Twenty years ago, Ingalls-built warships played a critical role in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Today, those same ships continue to serve on the front lines of our nation’s defense.
BECAUSE OF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS: These ships and their crews were among the first responders after Katrina, providing support and resources to Ingalls shipbuilders, serving as medical facilities and emergency shelter and rescuing people from New Orleans floodwaters.
KATRINA HIGHLIGHTS:
Helicopter operations | Disaster relief command center | Rescue missions
Medical support teams | Cargo & water delivery | Evacuee processing
Shipboard shelter, food & showers | Joint force coordination
HOW IT RELATES TO YOU:
USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19)
During Katrina: Still under construction at Ingalls, with shipbuilders riding out the storm aboard during sea trial preparations
Now: Recently returned to Norfolk after an 8.5-month deployment with the Bataan ARG, supporting NATO partners and strengthening crisis response capabilities
Ship facts: San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock. Keel laid in 2003, commissioned 2007. Named for Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park
USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7)
During Katrina: Served as the central command hub for all federal, state and local relief operations; conducted 1,000+ helicopter flights; provided food, shelter, water and medical care; hosted President George W. Bush as flagship for Joint Task Force Katrina
Now: Homeported in Norfolk, LHD 7 recently deployed with the 22nd MEU after completing a nine-month training cycle
Ship facts: Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Keel laid in 1997, commissioned 2001
- WWII hero and DDG 125 namesake Capt. Jack H. Lucas placed the Medal of Honor he received from the Battle of Iwo Jima in the hull, where it remains today
USS Bataan (LHD 5)
During Katrina: Pre-positioned near New Orleans before landfall; first to assess damage; evacuated 1,600 people; delivered 100,000+ pounds of cargo and 8,000 gallons of fresh water; served as a medical hub with 84 medical personnel
Now: Serving as centerpiece of amphibious operations out of Norfolk, capable of humanitarian aid, amphibious assault and crisis response
Ship facts: Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Keel laid in 1994, commissioned 1997. Named for the WWII Battle of Bataan
USS Tortuga (LSD 46)
During Katrina: First Navy warship to sail up the Mississippi River after the storm; rescued residents in the Ninth Ward; processed evacuees aboard ship; supported Army engineers and joint rescue operations from New Orleans Naval Station
Ship facts: Built at Avondale. Keel laid in 1987, commissioned 1990. Named for the Dry Tortugas islands off Florida
THEIR Mission is OUR Purpose
For 86 years, Ingalls shipbuilders have served as the backbone of our nation’s defense, building ships that project power, maintain peace and safeguard seas across the globe.
Check the IngallsConnect App’s Ingalls Ships in Action page to see more of your skill and dedication at work!