New Orleans on track to deploy, InSurv shows

[unhappycamper]

The amphibious transport dock New Orleans, participating in a composite training unit exercise the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group in November, is preparing to deploy early next year.


New Orleans on track to deploy, InSurv shows
By Philip Ewing - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Dec 15, 2008 7:42:44 EST

After a bruising inspection this summer, the amphibious transport dock New Orleans is almost combat-ready, according to the results of a new November inspection.

The latest inspection, obtained by Navy Times, showed that the second ship of the San Antonio class could pass all the tests it couldn’t during its summer inspection. On Nov. 21 it ran its engines up to full power; switched them quickly into reverse and then back again; and showed it could find a target aircraft with its radar, according to the report from the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey, or InSurv.

The ship will be able to conduct sustained combat operations — the equivalent of a passing grade for an InSurv — once two of its three cargo ramps are repaired and its weapons elevators are checked out, according to the report.

In addition, New Orleans joined the Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group on exercises off San Diego in early December. Carrying elements of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, New Orleans launched and recovered helicopters; ballasted down its well deck; and deployed and recovered Marine assault vehicles and hovercraft.

As a result, New Orleans now appears on track to make its scheduled maiden deployment early next year with the Boxer ESG.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/12/navy_lpd_121408w/%2e