Shipbuilder launches Mobile Landing Platform for Navy

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- The third Mobile Landing Platform for the U.S. Navy has been launched by General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. in San Diego, Calif.

MLPs are for use as a type of floating base for assault operations, transferring equipment, cargo and troops between larger ships and landing craft.

They are 785 feet long, 164 feet in the beam and have a range of 9,500 nautical miles when cruising at a speed of 15 knots.

The USNS Lewis B. Puller is the first afloat forward staging base variant of the MLP and designed around four capabilities: aviation, berthing, equipment staging area, and command and control, according to the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command.

"The maturity and stability of the Mobile Landing Platform shipbuilding program has allowed for the smooth transition to the afloat forward staging base variant," said Capt. Henry Stevens, Strategic and Theater Sealift program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. "Even with the design changes to accommodate the increased capability, this ship is on track deliver on cost and on schedule."

The Lewis B. Puller features a flight deck, berthing, fuel storage, equipment storage, and repair spaces. It will be manned by a rotating crew of civilian and military personnel and can operate forward almost continuously.

The Navy said the ship is now to undergo completion of its construction and then perform sea trials beginning next year.