Components of the future U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship Tripoli have been joined together during a ceremony at a shipyard in Mississippi.

Huntington Ingalls Industries said the keel laying and authentication ceremony held last week is a major milestone for the America-class vessel.

"This keel laying ceremony marks a significant first step in bringing shape to the Navy's next amphibious assault ship," Capt. Christopher Mercer, Amphibious Warfare Program Manager within Program Executive Office, Ships.

"Like America, Tripoli boasts a very credible and capable aviation centric design that replaces the Tarawa class of amphibious assault ships. The design brings with it increased capabilities and will maximize the Navy's investment in future aircraft."

America-class amphibious assault ships are 844 feet in length, displace more than 45,000 tons and have an operational speed of more than 20 knots. They have an enlarged hangar deck and expanded aviation maintenance facilities.

Fabrication of ship components began last year, the company said.

Ultra Electronics, Atlas Elektronic Canada in suppy deal
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia (UPI) Jun 24, 2013 -Technology is being supplied to Atlas Elektronic Canada by Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems Inc. for integration into low-frequency active sonars.

Ultra Electronics said it has received an initial order worth about $930,000 for its acoustic projectors.

"We are very pleased to establish this substantive partnership with such a first-rate Canadian supplier as Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems," said Rick Gerbrecht, president and chief executive officer of Atlas Elektronik Canada. "Furthermore, the introduction of Ultra into Atlas' global supply chain signifies our commitment to perform more high quality work in Canada as we grow our business with Canadian customers."

Ultra Electronics described the length of the contract as long term.

No other contract details were given.

"To be selected by Atlas, a world leader in advanced sonar systems, is a testament to the quality, reliability and high performance of our sonar technology," said Ken Walker, president of Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems