The US Navy’s newest amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli (LHA 7), departed Huntington Ingalls Industries-Ingalls Shipbuilding Division’s shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, July 24, for its San Diego homeport.
USS Tripoli was administratively commissioned July 15 and is the third ship to bear the name Tripoli in commemoration of the US Marines and approximately 370 soldiers from 11 other nationalities who captured the city of Derna, Libya, during the 1805 Battle of Derna.
America-class ships are designed to enhance Marine Corps aviation, and are capable of supporting the tilt-rotor MV-22 Ospreys and the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. Compared to conventional amphibious assault ships, the America-class design sacrifices the well deck in favor of an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage of parts and equipment and an increased aviation fuel capacity.
The 257-meter-long USS Tripoli is heading to its new home after it was officially delivered in February this year, five years after a keel-laying ceremony in June 2014 marked the official start of construction.
USS Tripoli is assigned to the Pacific Fleet battle force and will operate with Expeditionary Strike Group 3.
