USS SAN ANTONIO is the lead ship in the US Navy's new 12-ship LPD 17 Class which serves as the functional replacement of four amphibious ship classes. These versatile ships perform the mission of amphibious transports, amphibious cargo ships and the older LSDs by incorporating both a flight deck and a well deck that can be ballasted and deballasted to support landing craft. The Navy's newest class of ship, San Antonio is scheduled to replace the older LPD 4 class and its increased vehicle and substantial cargo carrying capacity will make it a key element of 21st Century Amphibious Ready Groups. The 12 ships of the class integrate the latest in shipbuilding and warfighting technologies to support current and future Marine Corps aircraft, the Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAAVs) and air cushion or conventional landing craft.
