<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM AVONDALE
INDUSTRIES, INC.'S ANNUAL REPORT FILED ON FORM 10-K FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          48,944
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  119,139
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     21,785
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               222,490
<PP&E>                                         254,611
<DEPRECIATION>                               (127,009)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 362,872
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          103,015
<BONDS>                                         54,866
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        15,927
<OTHER-SE>                                     165,926
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   362,872
<SALES>                                        624,929
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               624,929
<CGS>                                          543,102
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  543,102
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,986
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 34,495
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,700
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             30,795
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    30,795
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     2.13
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     2.13