WASHINGTON, April 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy says it is commissioning an amphibious transport dock ship from Huntington Ingalls Industries in Virginia on Saturday.
The San Antonio class vessel is named the USS Arlington in honor of the first responders and victims of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
"This ship and her proud name symbolize what is exceptional about the United States," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "For the next several decades, Arlington will take Marines and their equipment wherever they are needed, whether to provide humanitarian assistance or lethal combat capability.
"But more important, Arlington will carry with her the legacy of valor exhibited by Marines throughout the Corps' history and shown by those who lost their lives on American Airlines Flight 77," which terrorists crashed into the Pentagon.
The Arlington is the Navy's eighth San Antonio class amphibious transport dock ship. It features an advanced command-and-control suite, increased lift-capability in vehicle and cargo-carrying capacity and can embark a Marine landing for of 800 people.
