Way to go, shipbuilders! Harrisburg (LPD 30) has achieved electric generator light-off (EGLO), starting up two of the ship’s four generators for the first time.
The Big Picture: Lighting off the generators is a key sign that the ship’s electrical distribution systems are ready for continuous single and parallel testing — an essential step toward achieving sea trials.
Why It Matters: Generators power everything on the ship. This milestone clears the way for continuous electrical testing, getting all four generators online and moving the ship one step closer to going to sea.
What to Know:
- Preparation Pays Off: Generators were installed early in construction and carefully protected until all supporting systems — fuel, air, lubrication/cooling, exhaust and electrical distribution — were completed and tested
- Safety Systems First: Before EGLO, teams finalized firefighting systems, ventilation, painting, deck plates, handrails and other readiness items
- Fuel in Action: This was the first time the fuel, which was loaded earlier this summer, was used to power ship equipment
- Team Effort: Test, Electrical, Machinery, Sheetmetal, Joiner, Paint, Pipe, Ships Management, Supply Chain Management, Quality, Engineering, and Planning/Scheduling all worked together, coordinating daily to maintain safety and overcome challenges
In Their Words:
- Freddie Aizen, Superintendent, Electrical Test: “Reaching EGLO is not only an important milestone for the ship, it’s important for the team. They worked together, overcoming obstacles and supporting one another, to achieve this complex systems accomplishment.”
What’s Next? The team will soon light off the ship’s two remaining generators, allowing for full electrical distribution testing.
- Will lay the foundation for future sea trials and provide valuable feedback to implement on LPD 30’s sister ships, beginning with Pittsburgh (LPD 31)
About LPD 30:
- U.S. Navy’s 14th San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship and the first Flight II in the class
- Ingalls is the sole provider of LPD 17 San Antonio-class ships and has delivered LPDs 17–29 to date
- Named after Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital city, honoring its history and military support
- Supports expeditionary warfare, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and other vital missions