Description
USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) is the twelfth Flight I San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship of the United States Navy. The ship is the first ship of the United States Navy to be named for Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Fort Lauderdale features design improvements developed in connection with the Navy’s development of a next-generation dock landing ship, known as the LX(R)-class amphibious warfare ship. The LX(R) is intended to replace current Whidbey Island-class and Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ships.[9]: (Summary) In 2014, the Navy commenced design of LX(R) based on a modified San Antonio-class design. Because this design work is in progress, the Navy has created design innovations and cost-reduction strategies around the San Antonio-class design, and the Navy believes that it can apply these innovations and strategies to Fort Lauderdale, allowing her to be built at reduced cost. The main design features intended to reduce the cost of Fort Lauderdale compared to the San Antonio-class on which she is based are simplified bow works, replacement of the forward and aft composite masts with steel masts, removal of structures from the boat valley, and a stern gate which is open at the top. This will make Fort Lauderdale a “transitional ship” between the current San Antonio-class design and future LX(R) vessels.
This coin is struck in a shiny frosted finish and features special transparent enamel combined with a 3D UV-printed representation of the ship that gives an impression that can be both seen and felt. The reverse proudly displays the ship’s crest in colorful enameled detail.
Each coin measures 1 3/4 inch (44mm) in diameter.
