USS America (LHA 6), the US Navy’s amphibious assault ship, returned to Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division on 31 December, completing successfully acceptance sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico.
During the trials, USS America performed operation of the hybrid gas turbine/electric-drive propulsion system and other tests such as anchor handling, steering demonstration, flight deck operations and combat systems’ evaluations, totaling in over 220 test events.
The ship will serve as the flagship of an Expeditionary Strike Group in the US Navy, holding humanitarian, disaster relief, maritime security, anti piracy and other operations.
She will be capable of carrying a Maritime Expeditionary Unit, as well as marine helicopters, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 5, 2014; Image: HII