San Antonio class amphibious transport dock
The San Antonio class is the United States Navy’s new primary class of amphibious transport dock (LPD) in the beginning of 21st century.[1] It will be replacing the older Austin-, Cleveland-, and Trenton- class LPDs as well as the Anchorage-class dock landing ships, Newport-class tank landing ships, and one class that has already been retired, the Charleston-class amphibious cargo ships.[1] Thus, the twelve planned San Antonios will replace a total of 41 ships; however the San Antonio class’s funding may be reduced in 2006 as a result of suspected budget cuts, and only nine ships will likely be funded. There are currently six San Antonio-class LPDs under construction and three in commission as of April 2008; LPDs 26 through 28 are planned, but have not been awarded to a shipyard or all named.[2]. The unit cost for each ship estimated at US$800 million.
