The future USS Pittsburgh (LPD 31) is nearing the halfway point of construction following the successful landing of the aft deckhouse, marking a major turning point for the program.
The lift completes the placement of the last of the ship’s three grand blocks, a milestone that defines the ship’s full exterior profile and opens the next phase of construction.
“With all three deckhouses landed, our focus shifts from building the ship to finishing the ship,” said Jeff Hodge, LPD 31 production manager. “We now have access to the spaces that will house our electronics systems, so teams are charging ahead to complete these areas and bring shipboard systems online.”
The lift required coordinated teamwork across Hull, Manufacturing Services, Ships Management and Engineering to position and secure the structure.
“Landing of the aft deckhouse — the last of the grand blocks that make up the superstructure — sets the stage for the buttoning up of the ship,” explained Doug Cunningham, LPD 31 ship program manager. “Once Hull completes the buttwelds on these last units, it will free up Electrical, Joiner and other crafts to move forward in earnest with outfitting.”
These systems and components will support flight operations, cargo movement and rapid deployment — all core capabilities the warfighter depends on.
ABOUT THE SHIP
LPD 31 is the second Flight II in the San Antonio class and the fifth Navy vessel to be named after the city of Pittsburgh, Pa. The first ship was an ironclad gunboat that served during the American Civil War. Since then, the name Pittsburgh has been assigned to four vessels that have served the U.S. during conflict.
In addition to LPD 31, Ingalls is currently constructing Harrisburg (LPD 30) and Philadelphia (LPD 32) and has received contracts for the construction of LPDs 33-35. Ingalls is the sole builder of San Antonio-class ships and has delivered 13 LPDs to the U.S. Navy.
With every milestone completed, Ingalls shipbuilders bring LPD 31 closer to serving the nation where it matters most.