In a heartfelt homage to U.S. Marine Corps battles and the nation’s maritime heritage, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro has announced the naming of two significant naval vessels, each carrying a legacy into the future. The America-class big deck amphibious warship is to be named USS Helmand Province, while a future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock will honor the rich naval history of Philadelphia as USS Philadelphia (LPD 32).
Del Toro unveiled the name USS Helmand Province during a keynote at the Modern Day Marine conference, stating, “I am honored to announce today that the future LHA-10 will be named USS Helmand Province, recognizing the bravery and sacrifice of our Marines and Sailors who fought for almost 20 years in the mountains of Afghanistan.”
Marine commandant Gen. Eric Smith, who commanded Regimental Combat Team 8 in Helmand in 2011, reflected on the region’s strategic importance and rugged terrain, saying, “Helmand province holds a unique place in the hearts of this generation of Marines.” Indeed, the Helmand Province was a critical theater in the global war on terror, known for being a stronghold of both the opium trade and Taliban forces. Del Toro also honored Smith’s wife Trish Smith as Helmand Province’s sponsor, further personalizing the connection between the ship and those it represents.
The USS Helmand Province is set to be the third Flight I America-class ship, following Bougainville (LHA-8) and Fallujah, and will feature a well deck capable of carrying two Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft, alongside accommodations for Marine Corps aviation assets like the F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighter and the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor.
Additionally, Secretary Del Toro named the future USS Philadelphia during a ceremony at Independence Hall. “I cannot think of a city with a richer maritime history than Philadelphia,” said Del Toro, recognizing the indomitable spirit of the city known as both the birthplace of American democracy and the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
Echoing this sentiment, the ship’s sponsor, Maureen Paparo, spouse of Adm. Samuel Paparo, the 64th Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and a native Philadelphian herself, expressed her deep gratitude, stating, “May the spirit of our great city uplift the Sailors and Marines who sail in her with Honor, Courage and Commitment.”
The future USS Philadelphia, which will be the seventh vessel to bear the name, continues a legacy that began with a Continental Navy gunboat in 1776. Each previous Philadelphia has played a significant role, from participating in the First Barbary War to supporting Allied operations in WWII. The latest USS Philadelphia is part of a line of amphibious transport dock ships designed to transport and land Marines, their equipment, and supplies, serving as a versatile platform for expeditionary warfare missions.
Relevant articles:
– SECNAV Del Toro Names Next Big Deck Amphib USS Helmand Province, USNI News
– SECNAV Del Toro Names Future U.S. Navy Ship After the City of Philadelphia, DVIDS