US Navy commissions San Antonio-class LPD USS Richard M. McCool Jr.

The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29) was commissioned at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, on September 7, 2024.

During the ceremony guest speaker Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro honored the ship’s namesake as they brought the ship to life, beginning its commissioned service.

“I am proud that the Department of the Navy is pursuing the award of the Amphibious Multi-Ship Procurement Contract for a total of three San Antonio class amphibious ships—just like USS Richard M. McCool Jr.—along with an America class amphibious assault ship,” Del Toro noted.

“LPD 29 represents a shift in what an amphibious warship is,” said Gen. C.J. Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps.

“With the latest in integrated SPY-6 (air and missile defense radar system) and Next Generation Surface Search Technology, she enables reconnaissance and counter reconnaissance on the forward edge of the battlespace – making sense and decision space for the Fleet and Joint Force Commanders.”

LPD 29 is the 13th San Antonio-class LPD commissioned in the US Navy, and the first navy ship to bear this namesake. The vessel was delivered by Ingalls Shipbuilding in August this year.