WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The future USS Green Bay "sailed away" from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Avondale Operations Dec. 1 on its maiden voyage, manned for the first time by the ship's crew.
This milestone marks the government-industry team's production completion of LPD 20, which is the fourth of LPD 17-class of amphibious transport dock ships to progress from keel laying to delivery at the Northrop Grumman shipyards along the Gulf Coast.
Green Bay will first sail to its homeport of San Diego before sailing to Long Beach, Calif., for commissioning in January.
Once commissioned, Green Bay and its crew will begin a succession of sea trials to thoroughly test the ship's systems and to complete crucial certifications. USS Green Bay will conduct missile and gun combat systems ship qualification trials (CSSQT), during which the crew will fire the ship's rolling air frame missiles and MK 46 Mod 2 30mm guns as well as exercising the ship's comprehensive detect-to-engage capability. Well-deck certification and underway replenishment qualification will also be part of the steady progression toward mission readiness.
Green Bay will join three sister ships of the same class already in the fleet. USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS New Orleans (LPD 18) are currently operating with the fleet. Meanwhile, USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) is completing its post shakedown availability in its homeport of Norfolk, Va.
