The USS America (LHA-6) is a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship and the lead ship of the America-class amphibious assault ship series. It was commissioned on October 11, 2014, and is designed to provide a flexible and versatile platform for a variety of military operations, including amphibious assaults, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response. The USS America is homeported at Naval Station San Diego, California, and is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
Design and Capabilities
The USS America has a length of 847 feet (258 meters) and a beam of 106 feet (32 meters), with a displacement of approximately 45,000 tons. It is powered by two gas turbine engines, which provide a top speed of over 22 knots (25 mph). The ship has a crew of over 1,000 personnel and can carry a Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) of up to 1,700 troops, as well as a variety of aircraft, including F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and UH-1Y Venom helicopters.
The USS America features a well deck that can accommodate two Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) or one Landing Craft Utility (LCU), which allows for the transport of troops, vehicles, and equipment. The ship also has a hangar bay that can store and maintain up to 12 aircraft, and a flight deck that can accommodate up to six aircraft simultaneously. The USS America is equipped with advanced command and control systems, including the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS) and the Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS), which provide enhanced situational awareness and combat capabilities.
Aviation Capabilities
The USS America is designed to support a variety of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II, which is the first stealth fighter jet to be deployed on a U.S. Navy ship. The F-35B has a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, which allows it to take off and land on the ship’s flight deck without the need for a catapult or arresting gear. The USS America also supports the MV-22 Osprey, which is a tiltrotor aircraft that can transport troops and cargo, and the UH-1Y Venom, which is a utility helicopter that can provide close air support and medical evacuation capabilities.
The USS America’s aviation capabilities are enhanced by its advanced aircraft handling systems, including the ship’s electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear (AAG). These systems provide improved safety and efficiency, and allow the ship to launch and recover aircraft more quickly and effectively.
| Ship Characteristics | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 847 feet (258 meters) |
| Beam | 106 feet (32 meters) |
| Displacement | approximately 45,000 tons |
| Top Speed | over 22 knots (25 mph) |
| Crew | over 1,000 personnel |
| Troop Capacity | up to 1,700 troops |
Operational History
The USS America was commissioned on October 11, 2014, and has since participated in a variety of military operations and exercises, including the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and the Valiant Shield exercise. The ship has also deployed to the Western Pacific and the Middle East, where it has provided support for a variety of military operations, including Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The USS America has also been involved in several humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, including the response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and the 2017 Mexico City earthquake. The ship’s advanced medical facilities and helicopter capabilities make it an ideal platform for providing medical evacuation and relief services in response to natural disasters.
Upgrades and Modernization
The USS America is scheduled to undergo a series of upgrades and modernization efforts, including the installation of advanced radar systems and electronic warfare capabilities. The ship will also receive upgrades to its command and control systems, including the installation of the Advanced Combat Direction System (ACDS) and the Ship Self-Defense System (SSDS).
The USS America will also participate in the F-35B Lightning II integration program, which will involve the integration of the F-35B onto the ship and the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for the aircraft. The program will include a series of flight tests and evaluations to ensure the safe and effective operation of the F-35B on the USS America.
What is the primary mission of the USS America?
+The primary mission of the USS America is to provide a flexible and versatile platform for a variety of military operations, including amphibious assaults, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.
What types of aircraft can the USS America support?
+The USS America can support a variety of aircraft, including the F-35B Lightning II, MV-22 Osprey, and UH-1Y Venom.
What is the USS America’s crew size?
+The USS America has a crew of over 1,000 personnel.
