During March 1998, Caterpillar Defense & Federal Products received a contract award from Avondale Industries, Inc., New Orleans, LA, to supply the first five Cat ship service diesel generator sets for the U.S. Navy LPD 17 Amphibious Transport Dock Ships. Avondale Industries is currently under contract to build eleven San Antonio (LPD 17) class ships. The LPD 17 Amphibious Transport Dock ship's primary mission is amphibious warfare. Amphibious transports are used to transport and land Marines, their equipment and supplies embarked in amphibious vehicles, landing craft and helicopters in amphibious assault operations. Each ship will use five shock-qualified Cat 3608 generator sets rated at 2500 ekW each. The engines were built at Caterpillar's Large Engine Facility located in Lafayette, IN. The generator sets were provided by Kato Engineering. Ship propulsion is provided by four Colt-Pielstick turbocharged marine diesels rated at 10,500 horsepower each. The first Cat generator ship set was delivered to Avondale Industries in December 2000. Avondale Industries has delivered nine of the LPD 17 class ships to the Navy.
