Preceded by Raleigh class In commission 1965 | Succeeded by San Antonio class | |
 | ||
Name Austin-class amphibious transport dock Builders New York Naval Shipyard,
Ingalls, Lockheed Operators United States Navy
Indian Navy | ||
The Austin class of amphibious transport dock followed the Raleigh class and was followed by the San Antonio classes. Note that some sources consider Cleveland (seven built) and Trenton (two built) ships to be a part of the Austin class, but the Naval Vessel Registry lists them as a separate class.
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Cleveland sub-class
The Cleveland class of amphibious transport dock was a refinement of the Austin class. All earlier classes are being replaced by the San Antonio class.
The Cleveland class was originally to consist of 10 ships, LPD-7 through LPD-16. Seven ships were actually completed and listed in this class, with one being converted to a command ship, Coronado (AGF-11). Trenton (LPD-14) and Ponce (LPD-15) were originally to be included in the Cleveland class, but were completed as almost identical Trenton-class LPDs. The most noticeable difference between the Cleveland and Austin classes is the extra level in the superstructure housing a flag bridge and command and control facilities for an embarked staff which the earlier ships lack.
Trenton sub-class
The Trenton class of amphibious transport dock was a refinement of the Austin and Cleveland classes. Note that some sources consider Cleveland and later ships to be a part of the Austin class, but the Naval Vessel Registry lists them as a separate class. All earlier classes are being replaced by the San Antonio class. LPD-16, while authorized, was cancelled before being constructed.
As of August 2013 the above mentioned site Naval Vessel Registry lists the USS Trenton and the USS Ponce as Austin class amphibious transport docks.[1]