USS Arlington (LPD-24)

USS Arlington (LPD-24)

Commissioned in 2013, the USS Arlington (LPD-24) is a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship named in honor of Arlington County, Virginia, where the Pentagon, one of the targets in the September 11 attacks, is located. This vessel symbolizes the resilience and strength of the American spirit in the face of adversity. As part of the United States Navy’s fleet, the USS Arlington serves as a versatile platform capable of conducting a wide range of missions, from amphibious assault and humanitarian assistance to disaster relief operations.

With a length of approximately 684 feet (208 meters) and a displacement of around 25,000 tons, the USS Arlington is designed to embark, transport, and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies by embarked air cushion or conventional landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles during amphibious assault missions. The ship is equipped with advanced command, control, and communications capabilities, allowing it to coordinate complex amphibious operations and provide support to joint and coalition forces. Additionally, the USS Arlington is armed with defensive weapons systems to protect itself and its embarked personnel from potential threats in littoral environments.

Beyond its combat capabilities, the USS Arlington plays a vital role in promoting peace and security worldwide. Whether conducting operations in support of national interests or responding to humanitarian crises, the ship exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to protecting and defending freedom and democracy. Manned by a skilled and dedicated crew, the USS Arlington stands ready to respond to any challenge, embodying the core values of honor, courage, and commitment that define the United States Navy.

Armament of USS Arlington (LPD-24)

Here’s a list of its armament:

1. Two MK 31 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers: RAM is a quick-reaction, fire-and-forget missile system designed for defense against anti-ship missiles and aircraft.
2. Two MK 46 MOD 2 Gun Weapon Systems (GWS): These are remotely operated 30mm gun systems used for defense against small boats, unmanned surface vessels, and other close-range threats.
3. Four M2 Browning .50 Caliber Machine Guns: These manually operated machine guns are typically used for close-range defense against surface threats and small watercraft.
4. Countermeasure Systems: The USS Arlington is equipped with various countermeasure systems to defend against anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, and other threats.

It’s important to note that the primary role of amphibious transport dock ships like the USS Arlington is to embark, transport, and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies during amphibious assault missions. Therefore, their armament is primarily focused on self-defense rather than offensive capabilities. For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the armament of USS Arlington (LPD-24), it’s best to refer to official Navy sources or recent documentation.

Dimensions of USS Arlington (LPD-24)

The USS Arlington (LPD-24), being a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, typically has the following approximate dimensions:

1. Length Overall: Approximately 684 feet (208 meters)
2. Beam (Width): Around 105 feet (32 meters)
3. Draft (Full Load): Roughly 23 feet (7 meters)
4. Displacement (Full Load): Approximately 25,000 tons

These dimensions are typical for ships of the San Antonio-class. However, slight variations may exist depending on the specific configuration and any modifications made to the ship over time. For the most precise and up-to-date information regarding the dimensions of USS Arlington (LPD-24), it’s recommended to consult official Navy sources or recent documentation provided by the Navy.