USS New Orleans docked in Seal Beach on Oct. 17. Image by Gary Robbins, The Register

The futuristic amphibious warship U.S.S. New Orleans, which turned a lot of heads when it made its maiden visit to the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station in August, has returned to the base and will be there at least through Monday. The 684-foot ship — the largest vessel new service in Seal Beach — can be easily seen from Pacific Coast Highway. And for one of the few times in years, the ship’s bow is facing south instead of north, making it even easier for motorists to see as they come up P.C.H. The reason for the unusual docking hasn’t been disclosed. (Click image to enlarge.)

The New Orleans is a San Antonio-class amphibious transfer dock, the first of its type to be stationed on the West Coast. It’s homeported in San Diego. The ship has sleekier lines tha earlier versions of the Navy’s tranfer docks. And it features a pair of distinctive cone-like structures that enclose the ship’s mast. The design helps reduce the vessel’s radar signature.

The masts of USS New Orleans rise above houses in Surfside. Image by Gary Robbins/The Register

As we noted in this space in August, the New Orleans is the first new class of warship to visit Seal Beach since the introduction of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers about 15 years ago. (Click here to read earlier story for more detail.)

Reminder: Boaters entering and leaving Anaheim Bay, where the ship is docked, are prohibited by law from approaching the New Orleans. Armed security forces will stop any boater who leaves the navigation lane and steers toward the ship. The public also is not allowed to stop along P.C.H. to photograph the ship. (Click image to enlarge.)

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