USS New York Completes CSSQT

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- USS New York (LPD 21) successfully completed Combat Systems Ship Qualifications Trials, March 22 after spending 15 days at sea conducting tests of the ship's weapons systems.

The ship departed Norfolk, March 3, en route to Mayport, Fla. While at sea, the ship's crew engaged in various training exercises to ensure the ship's weapon systems had been properly installed, function correctly and can be operated safely.

"The successful completion of these trials validates the design and integration of the weapon systems aboard LPD 21," said Jay Stefany, LPD 17 program manager within the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The exercises went as planned, and, like the previous ships of the class, USS New York and her crew proved they are a valuable fleet asset."

New York's MK 46 Mod 2 30mm gun and MK 31 RAM Guided Missile Weapon System were both successfully demonstrated during the live-fire phase of the trials.

Also tested were the ship's communication and coordination capabilities, radar systems, and decoy systems.

New York is the fifth ship of the class developed and acquired by PEO Ships. The principal mission of LPD 17 class amphibious transport dock ships is to transport and deploy the necessary combat and support elements of Marine Expeditionary Units and Brigades. The ships carry approximately 720 troops and have the capability of transporting and debarking air cushion or conventional landing craft and expeditionary fighting vehicles, augmented by helicopters or vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

PEO Ships is responsible for the development and acquisition of U.S. Navy surface ships, and is currently managing the design and construction of a wide range of ship classes and small boats and craft. These platforms range from major warships such as frontline surface combatants and amphibious assault ships to air-cushioned landing craft, oceanographic research ships and special warfare craft. PEO Ships has delivered 38 major warships and hundreds of small boats and craft from more than 30 shipyards and boat builders across the United States.