Pre-Commissioning Unit New Orleans (LPD 18) transits under the Crescent City Connection Bridge on the Mississippi River toward her namesake city. The ship will be commissioned in a ceremony March 10, 2007. Throughout the week, Sailors and Marines will provide New Orleans residents and visitors with a unique look at the second San Antonio-class ship. The San Antonio-class will functionally replace over 41 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113 and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships) providing the Navy and Marine Corps with modern sea-based platforms. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kurt Eischen.
