USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) and USS NEW YORK (LPD 21)

Team,
I want to share a few photos with you of USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) as she’s steaming alongside USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) in the Virginia Capes operating area to complete the second half of her extensive sea trials period. She's focusing on shiphandling drills, combat systems testing, and increasing crew proficiency. Her crew is working hard and making steady progress towards our goal of returning her to unrestricted operations with the Fleet. These ships have immense capabilities that bring great flexibility and depth to the Navy-Marine Corps team.
All the best, JCHjr

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Atlantic Ocean (June 09, 2011) USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS New York (LPD 21) steam alongside while operating together in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia. San Antonio conducted shiphandling drills with New York during San Antonio's second phase of sea trials, which is primarily focused on combat systems testing and developing crew proficiency. (US Navy Photos by MC1 (SW/AW) Edwin F. Bryan)

USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) Update

Team,

Earlier this month, USS NEW YORK (LPD 21) successfully completed her Final Contract Trial (FCT) and received the highest scores to date of any ship in her class. Successfully completing the FCT on her first attempt was a significant milestone for this ship and I believe it’s a sign we’re making good progress resolving many of the big issues with the SAN ANTONIO class we’ve seen in the past. In light of NEW YORK’s success, I thought this would be a good time to give you an update on SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) and some of the specific actions we’ve taken to get this very capable ship back into the Fleet.
As you’ll recall, I ordered a JAGMAN investigation on SAN ANTONIO in November 2009 after she suffered multiple engineering casualties. The investigation found that failures in the acquisition process, maintenance, training, and execution of shipboard programs all contributed to the engineering casualties. These failures also pointed to larger process problems within our Navy and the shipbuilder. In a rush to get SAN ANTONIO’s operational capabilities to the Fleet, we overlooked a lot of very critical issues and accepted a ship that was only 90% complete and ultimately did not meet the standards of quality our Sailors and Marines need and expect of a U.S. Navy ship.
It has taken a steady and concentrated approach to get this ship back on track, but I believe we’re now on the right path. Of the 32 actions recommended in the JAGMAN investigation, 20 are complete and the final 12 are in progress. Work will be completed on SAN ANTONIO in April followed by three weeks of rigorous sea trials where she will be fully tested for everything she is supposed to do.
I believe we’ve learned a lot over the past two years. We brought in the right talent and our actions are having the desired effects – we’re now seeing a big difference between how SAN ANTONIO was originally delivered to the Navy and what we now have with NEW YORK.
The SAN ANTONIO class represents our Navy’s strong and enduring commitment to expeditionary operations. Our Sailors and Marines love this ship and all the capabilities she brings to the fight. While there is still much work to be done I believe we are back in the channel and headed fair.
All the best, JCHjr