From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) — USS New York (LPD 21) successfully completed final contract trials and returned to Naval Station Norfolk, Feb. 4.

The trial, run by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), is part of a series of post-delivery test and trials during which the ship and its major systems are exercised, tested and corrected as required.

Following the trial, INSURV officials noted that since the ship’s July 2009 acceptance trial, the ship had made improvements across several systems and is ready for sustained combat operations.

“USS New York and her crew proved once again that they are an extremely capable fleet asset” said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 program manager within the Navy’s Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. “By successfully demonstrating all required underway events, we are validating that this class continues to improve with each ship.”

The four-day trial began with pre-underway checks Feb. 1, and continued to evaluate the material condition and performance of the ship’s major systems. During these trials, the ship’s crew successfully demonstrated a variety of systems including main propulsion, engineering and ship control systems, combat systems, damage control, food service and crew support to the team of Navy experts.

Among the highlights of the trial, USS New York successfully completed a full power run, self defense detect-to-engage exercises, rapid ballasting and deballasting, steering, and anchor handling demonstrations during an underway period.

This final contract trial completes the rigorous rounds of testing the ship has undergone to demonstrate its operational capability. Last year, LPD 21 spent 15 days at sea conducting tests of the ship’s weapons systems, resulting in a successful completion of Combat Systems Ship Qualifications Trials off the East Coast of the United States.

Engine assessments, well deck and underway replenishment qualifications, and aviation certification were also completed last year. These trials confirmed the continuing improved class trend in system reliability and quality assurance programs.

The ships of the San Antonio (LPD 17) class functionally replace more than 41 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 transformational platforms.

These versatile ships incorporate both a flight deck to accommodate CH-46 helicopters and MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, and a well deck that can launch and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. The San Antonio class’ increased vehicle space and substantial cargo carrying capacity make it a key element of 21st century amphibious ready groups, expeditionary strike groups, or joint task forces.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations and an affiliated PEO of the Naval Sea Systems Command, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft.

Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.

For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.