Navy's San Antonio deploys after mechanical delay

Posted to: Military Norfolk

By Patrick Wilson
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 28, 2008

NORFOLK

The amphibious transport dock San Antonio deployed today following a delay because of a mechanical problem with the stern gate, the Navy said.

The ship was scheduled to deploy to the Middle East with the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, which began leaving Norfolk on Tuesday.

The San Antonio includes sailors and Marines and is the first ship designed to accommodate the Marines' new tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft; a new amphibious assault vehicle, the AAAV; and the landing craft air cushion.

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