USS New Orleans (LPD 18)

USS NEW ORLEANS is the second SAN ANTONIO - class amphibious transport dock and the fifth ship in the Navy to be named after the largest city in the state of Louisiana.

General Characteristics:	Awarded: December 18, 1998
	Keel laid: October 14, 2002
	Launched: December 11, 2004
	Commissioned: March 10, 2007
	Builder: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Avondale, New Orleans, La.
	Propulsion system: four sequentially turbocharged marine Colt-Pielstick Diesels
	Propellers: two
	Length: 684 feet (208.5 meters)
	Beam: 105 feet (31.9 meters)
	Draft: 23 feet (7 meters)
	Displacement: approx. 24,900 tons
	Speed: 22 knots
	Well deck capacity: two LCAC or one LCU and 14 Expeditionary Fighting Vehicles
	Aircraft: landing platform for all helicopters and the MV-22 Osprey; maintenance facilities for one CH-53E or two CH-46s or one MV-22 or three UH/AH-1s
	Crew: Ship: 28 officers, 332 enlisted
	Crew: Marine Detachment: 66 officers, 633 enlisted (can be expanded to 800)
	Homeport: San Diego, Calif.
	Armament: two Bushmaster II 30 mm Close in Guns; two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS NEW ORLEANS. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

Click here to view the list.

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Click here to see which USS NEW ORLEANS memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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Accidents aboard USS NEW ORLEANS:

Date	Where	Events
March 20, 2009	Strait of Hormuz	USS HARTFORD (SSN 768) and the USS NEW ORLEANS collide at approx. 1 a.m. local time. 15 submarine sailors are slightly injured while no injuries are reported aboard the NEW ORLEANS. The submarine suffers damage to its sail but the propulsion plant was unaffected by the collision. NEW ORLEANS suffers a ruptured fuel tank, which resulted in an oil spill of approximately 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel marine. Both ships were able to continue operating under their own power. The photo below shows the HARTFORD underway in the Persian Gulf after the collision. Note the damaged sail.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Army’s Institute of Heraldry designed the ship’s crest based upon research into the namesake city and with assistance from the ship’s Commanding Officer, Commander Skillman. The eventual design for LPD 18 represents the ship’s crew, Navy, Marine Corps, other ships named New Orleans and the city of New Orleans.

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the United States Navy. Green and blue, representing land and sea areas of operation, highlight the amphibious mission of USS NEW ORLEANS. The fleur-delis honor the three previous ships named USS NEW ORLEANS and are adapted from the City Flag of New Orleans. The battlements symbolize defense and highlight the city of New Orleans being the site of Andrew Jackson’s victory in the War of 1812. The eagle with the globe and anchor refers to the Marine Corps insignia and reflects the Marine Corps role in executing LPD 18’s expeditionary missions. The fouled anchor is taken from the CPO collar insignia represents the Sailor’s role in the Navy and LPD 18. The eighteen stars represent Louisiana being the 18th state to join the Union. The crossed Navy and Marine swords symbolize combat readiness and the teamwork between the Navy and Marine Corps. The white alligator is unique to the city of New Orleans and emphasizes the amphibious nature of USS NEW ORLEANS’ mission to embark, transport and land elements of a landing force. The globe underscores the world wide mission of LPD 18. The cannons recall New Orleans’ heritage and Jackson’s defense of the city.

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USS NEW ORLEANS Construction Gallery: