USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD-29)

The USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD-29) is the tenth ship in the San Antonio–class of amphibious transport docks. Commissioned in November 2019, she embodies the latest advances in expeditionary warfare design. Constructed by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi, LPD-29 provides the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps with versatile capabilities for amphibious assaults, crisis response, and humanitarian missions worldwide.

Design and Development

Mission Profile

Embark, transport, and land a reinforced Marine expeditionary unit by air, surface, and subsurface means
Operate landing craft air cushion (LCAC), conventional landing craft, and amphibious assault vehicles
Support rotary-wing and tiltrotor operations, including CH-53E/K and MV-22B aircraft
Provide command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) facilities for joint task forces

Signature Reduction

Angled superstructure panels and enclosed masts minimize radar cross section
Under-deck exhaust systems and infrared-suppressive stacks reduce thermal signature
Acoustic dampening materials in machinery spaces lower radiated noise, improving anti-submarine stealth

Hull and Dimensions

Hull Form

The ship’s steel monohull features a bulbous bow to improve seakeeping and fuel efficiency. Flared topsides deflect spray, while the tumblehome superstructure helps scatter radar returns and reduce detectability.

Key Dimensions

Length overall: 684 feet (208.5 meters)
Beam: 105 feet (32 meters)
Draft: 23 feet (7 meters)
Displacement (full load): Approximately 25,170 long tons

Propulsion and Performance

Machinery Plant

Combined diesel and gas (CODAG) configuration
- Two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines (36 MW each)
- Two Colt-Pielstick diesel engines (8,000 hp each)
Twin shafts with controllable-pitch propellers for precise speed control and maneuverability

Performance

Maximum speed: 22+ knots
Range: 7,000 nautical miles at 15 knots
Endurance: 90 days of sustained operations without replenishment

Armament and Defense Systems

Gun Systems

One Mk 45 Mod 4 5-inch/62-caliber naval gun forward
Two 30 mm Mk 46 remote weapon stations

Missile Defense

21-cell Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launcher
Two Phalanx Block 1B Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
SRBOC chaff launchers and AN/SLQ-32(V)7 electronic warfare suite

Aviation Facilities

Flight Deck

A full-width flight deck supports simultaneous operations of two MV-22B Ospreys or CH-53E/K helicopters. Ample tie-down spots accommodate unmanned aerial vehicles during surge operations.

Hangar and Support

Enclosed hangar with integrated maintenance workshops
JP-5 aviation fuel storage tanks and pumping system
Aircraft traversing system for moving planes between hangar and flight deck

Sensors and Electronic Systems

Radar and Sonar

SPS-48G 3D air search radar for long-range detection
SPS-73(V)12 surface search and navigation radar
SQQ-89(V)15 anti-submarine warfare combat system with hull-mounted and towed-array sonar

Combat Management

COMBATSS-21 mission computing system
Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) interface for networked air defense
Integrated Bridge System with track-while-scan and automatic identification

Crew and Accommodations

Ship’s Company

28 commissioned officers
340 enlisted sailors

Embarked Forces

Up to 800 Marines, including air-crew and ground elements
Vehicle stowage and mission bay covering 500 square meters
Two 60-ton electro-hydraulic cranes for rapid loading and offload

Habitability

Modular berthing with adjustable rack-beds
Fitness and recreation spaces, medical and dental facilities, and a chapel
Extensive galley and dining areas supporting full ship’s company and embarked forces

Survivability and Damage Control

Structural Protection

Double-bulkhead compartmentalization for enhanced flood control
Reinforced hull framing to resist torpedo and mine impacts

Damage Control Systems

Digital centralized control for firemain distribution, dewatering, and ventilation
Automated Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) monitors in machinery and aviation fuel spaces
Rapid-response damage control lockers and emergency escape breathing devices

Operational Capabilities

Amphibious Assault

Well deck configurable for two LCAC side by side or one LCU plus amphibious assault vehicles
Stern gate and side port ramps enable rapid launch and recovery of landing craft

Humanitarian Assistance

Reconfigurable cargo holds for relief supplies, water, and temporary shelters
Desalinization plant capable of producing 90,000 gallons of fresh water per day
Comprehensive medical complex with operating room, ICU, and triage spaces

Modernization and Upgrades

Enhanced AN/SLQ-32(V)7 electronic warfare suite with advanced jamming modes
Upgraded bridge navigation displays featuring integrated cybersecurity protections
Application of low-friction hull coatings and propeller boss cap fins for improved fuel economy

Technical Specifications Summary

Attribute	Specification
Length	684 ft (208.5 m)
Beam	105 ft (32 m)
Draft	23 ft (7 m)
Displacement (full load)	~25,170 long tons
Propulsion	CODAG: 2× MT30 gas turbines, 2× diesels
Speed	22+ knots
Range	7,000 nmi at 15 knots
Endurance	90 days
Ship’s Company	28 officers, 340 enlisted
Embarked Troops	Up to 800 Marines
Flight Deck Capacity	2× MV-22B/CH-53E simultaneous ops
Well Deck Configuration	2× LCAC or 1× LCU + AAV
Main Gun	1× 5″/62 Mk 45
Close-In Defense	2× 30 mm RWS, 21-cell RAM, 2× Phalanx CIWS
Electronic Warfare	SRBOC, AN/SLQ-32(V)7

Conclusion

The USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD-29) represents the pinnacle of modern amphibious transport dock design. With advanced stealth features, robust defensive suites, and flexible mission spaces, she stands ready to deliver Marines and their equipment anywhere in the world, whether for combat operations, humanitarian relief, or crisis response.

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