The U.S. Navy officially welcomed its latest amphibious Transport Dock Ship, the USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28), into service on Saturday, July 30, during a commissioning ceremony in its namesake city, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This momentous occasion marked the formal integration of a highly capable warship into the Navy fleet, ready to enhance America’s maritime strength and global partnerships.
The commissioning ceremony, held at 10 a.m. EDT, featured U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz as the principal speaker, underscoring the strong local connection and national significance of the event. Further emphasizing the importance of the USS Fort Lauderdale, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric Smith, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantlis, and President of Ingalls Shipbuilding Kari Wilkinson also addressed the attendees. A poignant highlight of the ceremony was ship sponsor Meredith Berger giving the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” a symbolic moment bringing the vessel into active duty. The USS Fort Lauderdale holds the distinction of being the first naval vessel named in honor of the city of Fort Lauderdale, forging a lasting bond between the ship and the community.
Secretary Del Toro emphasized the strategic role of this new amphibious transport dock ship, stating, “Tomorrow we commission the future USS Fort Lauderdale, bringing a powerful war ship with a dedicated and determined crew to life. This ship will play an integral part in strengthening America’s partnerships and protecting our country’s security abroad.” His words highlighted the crucial function of transport dock ships in modern naval operations and their contribution to national security.
As an amphibious transport dock ship, the USS Fort Lauderdale is a vital asset for projecting power and supporting expeditionary operations. Displacing nearly 25,000 tons and stretching 684 feet in length, this San Antonio-class vessel is a substantial platform. Powered by four robust diesel engines, it is capable of speeds exceeding 22 knots and will be homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. The USS Fort Lauderdale is the 12th ship in the San Antonio class, a lineage of vessels specifically engineered for amphibious missions.
The primary mission of a transport dock ship like USS Fort Lauderdale is to embark, transport, and land up to 650 Marines ashore. This can be achieved through various means, including landing craft and air-cushion vehicles, providing operational flexibility in diverse environments. Furthermore, the inclusion of a flight deck and hangar significantly broadens the ship’s capabilities, accommodating the versatile MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. This aircraft enhances the ship’s reach and operational tempo, enabling rapid troop deployment and logistical support.
San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships are designed to be versatile and adaptable, capable of supporting a wide spectrum of missions. These range from amphibious assault and special operations to expeditionary warfare, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of these vessels. They can operate independently or seamlessly integrate into larger naval formations such as Amphibious Readiness Groups (ARGs), Expeditionary Strike Groups, and joint task forces, amplifying their impact and contribution to mission success. These inherent capabilities empower the U.S. Navy to effectively safeguard American interests abroad, promote stability in critical regions, and maintain peace in an increasingly complex global landscape, making the transport dock ship a cornerstone of modern naval strategy.
