Keel Laid: September 10, 2004
Christened: March 1, 2008
Commissioned: November 7, 2009

Builder: Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, New Orleans, LA.
Propulsion system: 4 - Colt-Pielstick 2.5 STC diesel engines
Propellers: 2 - Inboard rotating (top) fixed pitch propellers
Length, overall: 684 feet (208.5 meters)
Beam: 105 feet (31.9 meters)
Draft: 23 feet (7.0 meters)
Displacement: approx. 24.900 tons full load
Speed: ~22 knots
Crew: 28 Officers, 30 CPO/SNCO, 332 Enlisted;
Marine detachment: 699 (66 officers, 633 enlisted); surge to 800 total
Well deck capacity: two LCACs or one LCU; 14 Amphibious Assault Vehicles
Aviation: Launch or land two CH-53E Super Stallion or two MV-22 Osprey; 
or up to four AH-1Z or UH-1Y or MH-60 helicopters
Armament: 
 - 2 MK 31 Mod 0 RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) Launchers
 - 2 MK 46 Mod 2 30mm Gun systems
 - 10 MK 26 Mod 18 .50 Cal Machine guns
Homeport: Norfolk, VA.