USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD-29) is the 13th and final Flight I of the United States Navy.[1] [2] She is named after US Navy officer and Medal of Honor recipient Richard M. McCool, Jr. Richard M. McCool Jr. was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.[3] She was christened on 11 June 2022,[4] formally delivered to the US Navy on 11 April 2024, [5] and commissioned on 7 September 2024.
Like her immediate predecessor,, Richard M. McCool Jr. was designed be a "transitional ship" between the current San Antonio-class Flight I design and future Flight II vessels, starting with, and as such will feature design improvements developed in connection with the Navy's development of the LX(R)-class amphibious warfare ship, (which is intended to replace the current and dock landing ships).[6] [7] Richard M. McCool Jr. incorporates the changes that were introduced in Fort Lauderdale intended to reduce the cost compared to the San Antonio-class, including: simplified bow works, replacement of the forward and aft composite masts with steel masts, removal of structures from the boat valley, and a stern gate which is open at the top. In addition, unlike Fort Lauderdale, Richard M. McCool Jr. uses the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) volume air search radar.[8]