Some more pics:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...-0000X-002.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...-0000X-001.jpg


http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...lm-image30.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...lm-image31.jpg

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita..._msncap_05.jpg

Some piece of technology you got there!:yep:

Is dropping the ship into the water like that safe, or are you risking your multi-million dollar ship for a really cool picture?

Not an expert on shipbuilding but I think that's the way they traditionally launch ships since there was shipbuilding.;)

Man, if it can't take that, it will sink in a storm guaranteed. Thats the first shock test and a minor one compared to some storms you get on the high seas!

-S

Nah, last I heard they put them in drydock, fill the place SLOWLY with water and then let tow her into the water, nice and safe

I guess it's safe, just didn't seem logical they would throw a 3,000 ton ship into the water like that

The old ones used to slide backwards down a ramp. I think this is a modern way.

-S

Oh, wait, is that how they do small ships that aren't big enough to waste a drydock on?

For repairs, it will be drydocked in the future, but every new major boat has a christening ceremony like this where they drop it in the water. They do it to subs too!

-S

Ehh, weird, I always thought ships were built in drydocks and then shipped out of those

Found the video:

http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/4458...stening_sh.swf

Some good pics of LCS2 here

:D And Bath Iron Works prefers the more gentle float out to a side launch (although the side launch is much more fun to watch) :lol:

Some other boats that have come off the dock, or will soon be off the dock.

-S


The Indy:

http://op-for.com/INDY%2520Afloat.jpg


USS New York:
http://gothamist.com/attachments/jen/2008_02_ussny3.jpg

Lewis and Clark:
http://www.msc.navy.mil/inventory/pi...isandclark.jpg

The Independence...I didn't know Ironclad Rams were coming back into style...

I just read seafarer's link (here)
that the US Navy won't order anymore after these two, due to the shipyards inability to gurantee the price.

How can any shipyard gurantee a price with high gas and food prices?

After the Navy gets hold of these two ships they will change their mind, unless these new ships threaten more of the same old fleet ships they need to guard the aircraft carrier's.