[Jeff Head]

Actually, the launchers for for ESS will not be on board...only space for a future addition if necessary. They have been scaled back in that regard. They will carry two Mark 31 Mod 0 launchers for launching Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) RIM 116. From the Naval Technology, LPD 17 Project site.

WEAPON SYSTEMS

Two Mark 31 Mod 0 launchers are capable of launching the fire-and-forget Raytheon Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). The RAM (RIM 116) surface-to-air missile has dual-mode radio frequency/infra-red guidance and is designed to engage anti-ship missiles. It has a range of 8km. Space and weight provision has been made for the future fitting of a vertical launcher for the Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESSM) if required.

The ship is equipped with two Mk 46 Mod 1 30mm guns for close-in surface self-defence. The Mk 46 is a dual-axis stabilised chain gun with a firing rate of up to 250 rounds/min. The fire director includes a thermal imager, low light TV camera and laser rangefinder, with a closed-loop tracking system. The gun can be operated locally at the gun turret or remotely in the Combat Information Centre. Additional armament includes two Mark 26 Mod 18 50-calibre machine guns.

... and from the Naval Fact Sheet for the LPD 17:

General Characteristics, San Antonio class

Builders: Northrop Grumman Ships Systems, with Raytheon Systems Corporation and Intergraph Corporation.
Power plant: four sequentially turbocharged marine Colt-Pielstick Diesels, two shafts
Length: 684 feet (208.5 meters)
Beam: 105 feet (31.9 meters)
Displacement: Approximately 24,900 tons (25,300 metric tons) full load
Speed: in excess of 22 knots (24.2 mph, 38.7 kph)
Aircraft: Launch or land up to four CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters; or up to two MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft simultaneously with room to spot four MV-22s on deck and one in the hangar.
Armament: Two Bushmaster II 30 mm Close in Guns, fore and aft; two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, fore and aft.
Landing Craft/Assault Vehicles: Two LCACs or one LCU; and 14 Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicles.

The Mark 41 VLS will not be onboard so they will not be able to launch the Tomahawks.

[Ax]

I have no problem with England, Pataki or Bloomberg being invited to the laying of the keel. But please PLEASE don't ruin the moment by inviting godzillary.

[rmlew]

My mistake. Frankly I think it is a mistake by the Navy.
LCAC's may keep our ships out of artillary range, but not asm range.
Besides, I would be really bummed if the USS New York were to be sunk!

[Moose4]

684 feet and 24,900 tons...isn't that a darn big ship to be powered by diesels and not by gas turbines or steam?

Interesting info on these ships, they're quite remarkable and they carry some remarkable things too...my next-cube neighbor at work has a son who just went into the Marine Reserve and is being trained on loading/unloading LCACs, among other things. Apparently the kid had a blast learning his way around those monsters.

}:-)4