Northrop Grumman Lays Keel For Navy Ship

The keel has been laid for the Navy’s newest large-deck amphibious assault ship, three years after the contract to build it was announced. At a ceremony officials described it as a centerpiece for the Navy. Irwin Edenzon, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast, said the LHA 6 class will replace the aging Tarawa class of ships.USS America (LHA-6)He says this ship, the USS America, is scheduled for completion in 2013. He says it will be much like the recently delivered Makin Island, but will have more space for aviation components instead of a well deck for storing smaller vessels.