USS America has successfully completed sea trials
This is the largest amphibious assault ship the Navy has commissioned.
Congratulations United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps (naval infantry)The USS America, homeported in San Diego, is slated for its first maiden deployment later in the year. The ship is currently cruising in the Pacific Ocean with 1,000 sailors and 1,600 Marines conducting so-called Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration operations in preparation for the deployment.
America-class amphibious assault ships are 844 feet (257 meters) long with a 106-foot (32 meters) beam and weigh approximately 44,000 tons. The lead ship of the class is armed with 12 defensive weapons systems including two rolling aircraft missile RIM-116 Mk 49 l launchers; two Raytheon 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts; and seven twin .50 cal. machine guns.
Next to a maximum crew of 1,204 and 1,800 Marines (plus equipment), the USS America can accommodate up to nine F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, four AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, four CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, 12 MV-22 Ospreys, and two MH-60S Search and Rescue helicopters. The large number of modern military aircraft, provides the ship with firepower on par with some medium-sized aircraft carriers of other navies.