The amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) completed a material inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), at Naval Base San Diego, July 30.

The extensive three-day assessment of the entire ship was evaluated by dozens of subject-matter experts assigned to INSURV. Members from Expeditionary Strike Group 3, Commander Amphibious Squadron 1, and the Inspection and Readiness Assist Team, assisted the ship throughout the assessment.

"All of the hard work and long hours paid off," said Capt. Douglas Verissimo, New Orleans' commanding officer. "We are now able to operate as a more capable warship, with our Marine counterparts, as we enter our integrated phase."

INSURV was established more than 130 years ago by Congress to inspect the Navy's ships and to ensure their readiness. In 2013, the president of INSURV made changes to the inspection program, mandating that every ship get inspected every 30 months versus every five years.

Some of the major INSURV inspection tests New Orleans performed included the testing of the aqueous film forming foam sprinkler systems, the anchoring equipment, engine inspections, berthing inspections, and a detect-to-engage evolution.

Each department was responsible for demonstrating numerous equipment checks for INSURV inspectors, and their teamwork and dedication paid dividends. Among the most notable performers were the main propulsion checks, which earned a score of 89%, and occupational health, with a score of 94%.

"The crew worked tremendously hard in preparation for INSURV," said Lt. Christine Tomko, the INSURV coordinator aboard New Orleans. "INSURV challenged us all, but in the end, the ship is in the best shape it has been in years."

New Orleans is the second ship in Navy's San Antonio class of ships, designed to be the most survivable amphibious vessels. The fourth in the U.S. Navy fleet to bear the name, New Orleans was commissioned in March 2007.

The ship combines 21st century amphibious shipbuilding and warfighting technologies to support current and future Marine Corps aircraft and landing craft, and is capable of taking nearly 1,200 Sailors and Marines into harm's way.

For more news from USS New Orleans (LPD 18), visit: www.new-orleans.navy.mil/ .

For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil .