Amphibious transport dock completes successful sea trials

The following is the text of a press release issued by Huntington Ingalls Industries:

(AVONDALE, La.) -- Huntington Ingalls
Industries (NYSE:HII) announced today the completion of another
successful sea trial as the amphibious transport dock Anchorage (LPD
23) returned from a three-day testing voyage in the Gulf of Mexico. The
company's seventh ship in the LPD 17 class returned Friday following
rigorous testing of most of the ship's systems. The ship is currently
under construction at Ingalls' Avondale facility.

A photo accompanying this release is available at
http://media.globenewswire.com/hii/mediagallery.html?pkgid=13429

"The objective of any shipbuilding program is to continuously improve
performance, and this sea trial proves that notion," said Doug
Lounsberry, Ingalls' vice president and program manager, LPD 17
Program. "It never ceases to amaze me how a sea trial comes together.
It's an overwhelming amount of logistics and coordination, yet our team
continuously performs well. I'm also proud of the shipbuilders' efforts
for getting LPD 23 ready for this acceptance trial. The ship handled
her three days at sea very well, and now we've got to continue
effective work as we prepare to deliver the ship to the Navy in the
third quarter. Congratulations to all involved with this sea trial."

During the five-day acceptance trial evolution on land and at sea, the
U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) observed more than
220 test events demonstrated on the ship by Ingalls' test and trials
team. The team thoroughly tested ship systems such as anchor handling,
flight operations, steering, navigation, ballasting and de-ballasting
the well deck, and compartment air balancing.

"Once again, our strong partnership with the Navy/SupShip team worked
well during this acceptance trial," said Richard Schenk, Ingalls' vice
president of test and trials. "LPD 23 proved herself ready as we
demonstrated the major systems on the ship, including some weapons
system testing. This successful sea trial is a credit to the test and
trials team and all the dedicated shipbuilders who played a part in
building Anchorage. A 'well done' to everyone associated with this
acceptance trial."

The 11 ships of the LPD 17 class are a key element of the Navy's
ability to project power ashore. Collectively, they functionally
replace more than 41 ships (the LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113 and LST 1179
classes of amphibious ships), providing the Navy and Marine Corps with
modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable and built to
operate with 21st century platforms, such as the MV-22 Osprey.

Ingalls has delivered six ships in the class and has four more in
various stages of construction, including LPD 23. Advance procurement
contracts have been awarded for an 11th ship, LPD 27.


By Professional Mariner Staff