Navy's newest ship, a transport to take Marines to combat, is named for San Diego

As a bottle of California wine was broken on its bow, the Navy's newest ship was named Saturday for the Navy's principal West Coast port.

"I christen thee San Diego. May God bless this ship and all who sail in her," said Linda Winter, the wife of former Navy Secretary Donald Winter, during the traditional ceremony at the Northrop Grumman shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.

The amphibious transport ship -- 24,900 tons, 684 feet long, capable of carrying 360 sailors, 800 Marines and the vehicles and aircraft needed for combat -- is the fourth Navy vessel to carry the name San Diego.

An armored cruiser during World I, a cruiser during World War II and a combat stores ship that was in the fleet from 1969 to 1997 also were named for San Diego.

"It is hard to imagine San Diego without thinking of the Navy or the Navy without San Diego," said Rear Adm. William Landay at the ceremony. "Today, we celebrate that bond."

-- Tony Perry, in San Diego

Photo: The San Diego, the Navy's newest ship. Credit: U.S. Navy