Function: Serves as a flagship.





Description: Command ships provide communications and accommodations for fleet commanders and staff. Ships are equipped air and surface radars, helicopter, chaff launchers and an electronic warfare suite.







Background: These ships were converted from amphibious warships for employment as command ships. Amphibious warships are uniquely designed to support assault from the sea against defended positions ashore. They must be able to sail in harm's way and provide a rapid built-up of combat power ashore in the face of opposition. The United States maintains the largest and most capable amphibious force in the world.





General Characteristics, USS Coronado



Builders:

As LPD-11: Lockheed Shipbuilding

& Construction Co.





Conversion:

To AGF11: Philadelphia Navy Yard, Philadelphia, PA





Power Plant:

Two boilers, geared turbines, two shafts, 24,000 shaft horsepower





Date Deployed:

November 14, 1970 (USS Blue Ridge)





Length, Overall:

570 feet (173.74 meters)





Beam:

100 feet (30.48 meters)







Displacement:

16,912 long tons (17,183.41 metric tons)





Speed:

21 knots (24.2+ miles per hour, 38.95+ kph)





Crew:

516 ship's company, 120 flag staff





Armament:

Two Phalanx close-in-weapons systems



Two 12.7 mm MGs





Aircraft:

Two light helicopters