<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM AVONDALE
INDUSTRIES, INC.'S QUARTERLY REPORT FILED ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                          52,561
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   88,607
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     18,686
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               177,584
<PP&E>                                         262,429
<DEPRECIATION>                               (129,146)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 333,286
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           89,218
<BONDS>                                         54,866
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        15,927
<OTHER-SE>                                     159,769
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   333,286
<SALES>                                        457,457
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               457,457
<CGS>                                          402,957
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  402,957
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,792
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 24,638
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             24,638
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    24,638
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.70
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.70