Avondale, Louisiana -- "There are several memorials in the United States of America dedicated to the 2,403 men and women killed and the 1,178 who were wounded on that day in December 1941 -- that day that live in infamy -- and to those who still live, but there is none that will reach more people than our ship when she joins the Fleet. She will be a moving Memorial." These solemn words were spoken by Mr. Robert McClintock, Jr., President of the National Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, in a speech delivered at the keel-laying ceremony for LSD-52 at Avondale's New Orleans shipyard on January 27, 1995. LSD-52, Avondale's latest Dock Landing Ship being built for the Navy, will be christened PEARL HARBOR at launching ceremonies in 1996. The Navy has assigned LSD-52 the name PEARL HARBOR in honor of the Naval Base on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, and the men and women who fought so valiantly in response to the surprise attack by the Japanese forces on January 7, 1941. The battle prompted the United States' entry into World War II, and "Remember Pearl Harbor" became the rallying cry for the nation during the war years. The keel-laying ceremony is a long-standing shipbuilding tradition marking the beginning of construction of a ship. Participants in the event wished the new ship well in its future voyages and recalled the significance of the name assigned to the ship. McClintock, who was the Principal Speaker at the keel-laying, is a 23-year Navy veteran from Florida who served as a Torpedoman's Mate First Class on the USS Aylwin (DD-355) at Pearl Harbor 53 years ago. He joined some 50 other PHSA members and Avondale and Navy officials at Avondale for the ceremony, at which he dedicated the keel on behalf of all the Pearl Harbor survivors, and in particular, "in the memory of all those from the five Military Services who lost their lives that day." Joining Mr. and Mrs. McClintock at the ceremony were the PHSA Louisiana Chapter's President Mr. Charlie Swain and Secretary Ed Jones, several past and present PHSA officers, and several PHSA members' wives and family members. As part of the event, the PHSA members dedicated a memorial plaque and other memorabilia in a stainless steel time capsule that was welded to the LSD-52 keel. The event began with the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Naval Support Activity Color Guard, and was followed by the National Anthem performed by the Naval Support Activity Band. An invocation was delivered by Mr. John R. Zanca, LA PHSA Chapter Chaplain. Mr. Edmund C. Mortimer, Avondale's Corporate Vice President and Shipyards Division Manager, welcomed attendees and explained Avondale's modular ship construction techniques, which differ drastically from those used to build ships during World War II. He was followed on the program by Commander James L. Jenkins, USN, Resident Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Avondale, LA, who spoke of how proud he was to be in the presence of so many Pearl Harbor veterans. Cdr. Jenkins then introduced McClintock, who thanked the Navy for this great honor and praised Avondale's shipbuilders. "Men and women who work on ships have a special pride in their work," said McClintock. "They display a particular devotion to the ship and a special protection to the quality of their work. They are proud! The men and women of Avondale are cut from that same bolt of cloth. They are proud as we are today and you can be sure that this care and devotion will follow in the construction of our ship." The Navy Band then closed the keel-laying ceremony with a Benediction -- a moving performance of "Eternal Father." The 610-foot-long LSD-52 is the ninth LSD to be built by Avondale, and the fourth LSD-CV, or Cargo Variant, signifying a different cargo configuration. The 610-foot-long LSDs have a beam of 84 feet, a full-load displacement of 16,400 long tons, are powered by four diesel engines, and are capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots The ships are capable of a wide range of amphibious assault operations for the Navy and the Marines, such as carrying, launching and docking Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vessels, along with tanks, military vehicles, and deployments of Marines. Avondale-built LSDs and LCACs have played prominent roles in our nation's military operations, including recent service in the Persian Gulf, and off the coasts of Somalia and Bosnia. LSD-52 is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in 1998. Avondale Industries, Inc., headquartered in New Orleans, is one of the leading marine fabricators in the nation, active in the construction, repair, and conversion of oceangoing vessels. In addition, the parent company manufactures boats and builds a wide range of non-marine and industrial facilities and components for land-based plants.