Seven months into her maiden operational deployment, US Navy amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) entered Guam on January 7 for a scheduled port visit.
As the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands, Guam is the home to one of the US Navy’s largest and most strategic island bases in the Western Pacific. The base serves as a hub for US ships as they operate in the 7th Fleet area of operations.
“Guam has a long history with the US Navy and is very important to what we do in the Pacific,” said Capt. Joseph Olson, America’s commanding officer. “For the ship, it’s an opportunity to take on supplies and complete routine maintenance, and for the crew, it’s a chance to enjoy the beauty, heritage and culture of the island firsthand.”
This port visit marks the ship’s first port visit of 2018 and, for most of the crew, their first time experiencing the island.
After visiting Guam, America will continue on her scheduled deployment as part of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).
The America ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).