Future USS Harrisburg Expected to Launch in 2024

HARRISBURG – Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming), House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee majority chairman, today hosted Rear Adm. Thomas Anderson at the state Capitol, where he provided an update on construction of the future USS Harrisburg. As program executive officer for ships, Anderson is responsible for U.S. Navy shipbuilding for surface combatants, amphibious ships, logistics support ships, support craft and related foreign military sales.

“It is my great honor to welcome our special guest, who traveled to Pennsylvania’s capital city to provide us with the latest information on a new Navy ship that will proudly bear its name – the USS Harrisburg,” said Boback. 

According to the Navy, the city of Harrisburg and surrounding region play a central role the country’s national defense infrastructure, hosting a myriad of defense logistics and naval supply support activities. 

“It has been a pleasure to meet the great people of Harrisburg. As the capital of the Commonwealth, Harrisburg is a city with a rich history,” said Anderson. “Your ship, the future USS Harrisburg, will join the other Pennsylvania namesake ships of the class with a legacy of service, perseverance and accomplishment. Through their service to our country, industrial base contributions and patriotic pride, the citizens of Harrisburg and Dauphin County are clear contributors to the success of the world’s greatest Navy. Thank you for all you do in support of our Navy!”

Anderson said the keel-laying ceremony for the $2 billion ship took place last January at Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, MS, where it is being built. The ship will be nearly 700 feet long, weigh more than 25,000 tons and carry over 1,000 sailors and Marines. Christening is scheduled for 2024 and she will be placed into service the next year. 

The future USS Harrisburg (LDP 30) is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship designed to support Marines and their equipment. The ship’s capabilities are enhanced by its flight deck and hangar, enabling her to operate a variety of helicopters and the Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. The future USS Harrisburg will be able to support a variety of amphibious assault, special operations, expeditionary warfare or disaster relief missions, operating independently or as part of a group. 

This is the second U.S. Navy ship to be named after the city of Harrisburg. The first was a troopship acquired during World War I.

Boback also presented Anderson with a House citation in recognition of the USS Harrisburg and its connection to the Commonwealth’s capital city.

To view or download a broadcast-quality video of the press conference, click the video below.

The U.S. Navy’s rendering of the USS Harrisburg is attached along with a photo from the press event featuring (from left) Rep. Chris Sainato (D-Lawrence), House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee minority chairman; Anderson; and Boback.