U.S. approves advance ship procurement PASCAGOULA, Miss., May 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Department has authorized funding for advance procurement of materials for the 11th San Antonio class landing dock. Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. said the $133.7 million cost-plus-fixed-fee award for long-lead procurement and services is a modification of an earlier award. Among items for the Landing Platform Dock 27 are main engines, diesel generators, electrical switchboards, deck equipment and fire-extinguishing systems. "There's plenty of energy throughout the LPD program and this award bridges us to be ready to build our company's 11th ship," said Doug Lounsberry, Ingalls' vice president and program manager, LPD Program. This award allows us to focus on an efficient, streamlined plan so we can keep our schedule commitments to the U.S. Navy. The LPD 17 amphibious ships are 684 feet long and 105 feet wide. They can carry up to 800 troops, air cushion or conventional landing craft and can also be used as a platform for helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Huntington Ingalls Industries said work on the modification would be performed in Pascagoula, Miss.