<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, 1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                          81,752
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  101,746
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                     23,226
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               232,868
<PP&E>                                         264,537
<DEPRECIATION>                               (134,481)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 375,615
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           87,644
<BONDS>                                         51,819
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                        15,956
<OTHER-SE>                                     193,021
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   375,615
<SALES>                                        613,993
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               613,993
<CGS>                                          538,515
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  538,515
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               4,804
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 42,083
<INCOME-TAX>                                    15,250
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             26,833
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    26,833
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.85
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.85