New Orleans honors the largest city of Louisiana and one of the world's major ports. Three previous ships have borne the name New Orleans in honor of the "Crescent City", including the third New Orleans (LPH 11). USS New Orleans (LPD 18) was built at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Avondale Division, New Orleans, LA. The Keel Laying was held on October 14 2002.

The amphibious transport dock was christened on November 20, 2004, sponsored by Carolyn Shelton, wife of General Henry H. Shelton, former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. The ship was launched three weeks later, on December 11.

October 23, 2006 PCU New Orleans departed Avondale, Louisiana, and head to the Gulf of Mexico to conduct builder’s trials.

March 5, 2007 LPD 18 departed Avondale Shipyard and transited the Mississippi River toward her namesake city.

March 10, USS New Orleans is commissioned at a ceremony in New Orleans. Cmdr. John B. "Brad" Skillman, of St. Paris, Ohio, is the first commanding officer of the ship.

April 3, The amphibious transport dock ship departed Naval Support Activity New Orleans, following three weeks of ships training, certifications, and maintenance for a maiden cruise to its new homeport of San Diego.

May 3, USS New Orleans arrived in Naval Base San Diego for the first time.

September 11, LPD 18 pulled to Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Pearl Harbor, to transport military personnel’s privately owned vehicles to the mainland United States.

December 14, USS New Orleans is currently off the coast of southern California conducting routine trainings with the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7.

February 22, 2008 The New Orleans is currently participating in amphibious warfare certification exercise in the Pacific Ocean.

December 6, The amphibious transport dock is currently participating in certification exercise off the coast of southern California, as part of the Boxer (LHD 4) Expeditionary Strike Group, in preparation for an upcoming deployment early next year.

January 9, 2009 USS New Orleans departed homeport for a maiden underway period.

February 3, LPD 18 departed Apra Harbor, Guam, after a two-day port visit.

February 24, The New Orleans departed the Maldives following a five-day exercise Exercise Coconut Grove, consisting of military to military training with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and humanitarian assistance in the form of dental care and medical training.

March 20, USS New Orleans collided with USS Hartford (SSN 768) about 1 a.m. in the strait of Hormuz. The ship suffered a ruptured fuel tank, which resulted in an oil spill of approximately 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Aboard the Hartford fifteen were injured but returned to duty.

March 21, The two naval vessels were brought to the Mina Salman pier at Manama, Bahrain, for fuether damage assessment.

April 25, LPD 18 entered the dry dock at Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard "ASRY" Shipyards in Manama to continue repair work on the ship's hull. The repair contract, includes planning efforts, material procurement, pre-fabrication and dry dock repair work and is expected to be completed in 10 to 14 days.

May 12, The New Orleans returned to sea and will resume the Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

July 8, The amphibious transport dock arrived in Sasebo, Japan, for a routine port visit.

August 1, USS New Orleans returned to San Diego after a seven-month deployment.

December 3, LPD 18 completed a three-day underway, its first since returning home in August, conducting well deck and aviation readiness (AR) qualifications.

February 13, 2010 The New Orleans is currently off the coast of southern California participating in a three-week-long Exercise Iron Fist, which teamed U.S. Marines and sailors with the Kyushu-based Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force infantrymen. The soldiers arrived in early February to train nearly a month with Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and I Marine Expeditionary Force elements.