Bearing failure is a San Antonio 'class issue', says US Navy

A diesel engine breakdown in the US Navy's latest San Antonio-class landing transport dock could have implications across the class of ships, according to officials.

The premature failure of a main bearing in one of USS New York's four Colt Pielstick PC 2.5 prime movers was discovered during a week-long diesel baseline assessment in the Atlantic Ocean.

The 25,885-ton amphibious ship – the fifth in class – was forced to return to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia in December, making the trip under its own power.

However, the problem may also affect its sister ships. "The navy is looking at this as a class issue," a spokeswoman for Naval Sea Systems Command told Jane's .

The bearing was under warranty from the manufacturer when it failed and will be replaced at Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard, according to Naval Surface Force Atlantic.

The shipbuilder said in a statement: "Northrop Grumman is supporting the navy in their analysis of this situation. However, we defer any additional comment on commissioned ships to the navy."