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USS America (LHA 6)

USS AMERICA is the lead ship of the AMERICA-class of amphibious assault ships. Unlike earlier large-deck amphibious assault ships, AMERICA and her sister ship TRIPOLI (LHA 7) were designed without a well deck, providing additional space for aviation facilities, aircraft maintenance and fuel storage. The well deck was reintroduced with the Flight 1 ships of the AMERICA-class.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS AMERICA. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

Description:

Azure (Dark Blue), a chevron Gules, edged Or, in base issuant a hand holding a torch Argent (Silver Gray), enflamed Proper all below five mullets in chevron Argent; on two cantons of the third, in dexter a coiled snake of the second and canton sinister, a demi-trident of the first. From a wreath Or and Azure (Dark Blue), an American eagle wings elevated, grasping in its dexter claw an olive branch all Proper, in its sinister claw six arrows Argent (Silver Gray), bearing on its breast the Coat of Arms of the United States. A scroll Or doubled Azure (Dark Blue) and inscribed in Latin "BELLO VEL PACE PARATUS" which translates to "Prepared in War or in Peace" of the second. Behind the shield a United States Navy officer sword and a Marine Corps officer mameluke in saltire, points downward, Proper.

Symbolism:

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy, representing the sea and excellence. Red conveys patriotism. The red chevron edged yellow further symbolizes the Marine Corps enlisted rank insignia and signifies the loyalty, dedication and fighting spirit the Marines bring in support of USS AMERICA's amphibious mission. The five stars represent the battle stars earned by USS AMERICA (CV 66) during the Vietnam War. The hand and torch, adapted from the Statue of Liberty, symbolize enlightenment and America's role as the "Beacon of Liberty". The gold cantons indicate achievement and honor USS AMERICA's rich naval heritage. On the left, the coiled snake is reminiscent of the Gadsden flag, the first flag carried into battle by the Continental Marine Corps. On the right, the trident denotes sea power and symbolizes the three previous warships named AMERICA. The eagle with red, white and blue shield reflects the Coat of Arms of the United States of America with its wings elevated to signify the aviation capability and heritage of USS AMERICA. The eagle further symbolizes the image of the Navy enlisted rank insignia and represents their service to USS AMERICA with honor, courage and commitment. The olive branch and arrows symbolize USS AMERICA's readiness to conduct either wartime or peacetime operations. The six arrows indicate USS AMERICA's hull number, first in the AMERICA-class. The crossed Navy officer sword and Marine Corps officer mameluke represent leadership and attest to the unity and teamwork between the two Sea Services, the foundation for success of USS AMERICA's amphibious warfare missions. The phrase "BELLO VEL PACE PARATUS" (Prepared in War or in Peace), derived from the Second Committee's recommendation for a motto for the Great Seal of the United States in 1780.

The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white oval surmounting a red oval edged white, superimposed by a white oval voided and bearing 50 dark blue stars representing the Military Service Flag in tribute to the unwavering support and sacrifice of military families across the nation. The top star is gold, edged with a thin blue border in honor of those who have sacrificed all in defense of America's freedom, all within a dark blue designation band, edged with a gold roped border and bearing the name USS AMERICA at top and LHA 6 at base, in gold letters.

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USS AMERICA History:

USS AMERICA was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi, as the lead ship of a new class of amphibious assault ships and the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name. The contract was awarded on June 1, 2007, and construction began in December 2008. Her keel was laid on July 17, 2009, and she was launched on June 4, 2012. The ship was christened on October 20, 2012, by Lynne Pace, wife of retired General Peter Pace, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

AMERICA was designed as an aviation-oriented amphibious assault ship capable of operating a combination of Marine Corps helicopters, MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F-35B Lightning II short takeoff and vertical landing fighters. Unlike the preceding WASP-class ships, AMERICA was built without a well deck, providing additional space for aviation maintenance facilities, aircraft fuel storage and other equipment required to support sustained flight operations. The arrangement distinguished AMERICA and her sister ship USS TRIPOLI (LHA 7) from the later Flight I ships of the AMERICA-class, which reintroduced a well deck.

Following the installation of machinery, electronics, aviation support systems and other equipment, AMERICA began builder's sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico during November 2013. The trials evaluated the propulsion plant, maneuvering characteristics, navigation systems and other major shipboard equipment. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey subsequently conducted acceptance trials off Pascagoula, which were completed on January 31, 2014. The trials included more than 200 evaluations of the ship's propulsion, combat, communications, navigation and aviation systems.

On April 10, 2014, AMERICA was formally delivered to the U.S. Navy during a ship custody transfer ceremony at Ingalls Shipbuilding. More than 900 sailors and Marines assigned to the pre-commissioning unit marched aboard as the Navy accepted the vessel. Captain Robert A. Hall Jr., the ship's prospective commanding officer, signed the delivery documents. The crew subsequently completed preparations for the ship's first voyage to the Pacific, including equipment checks, training and operational certifications.

On July 11, 2014, AMERICA departed Pascagoula in commission, special, beginning an extended transit to the Pacific Fleet under the designation America Visits the Americas. Approximately 1,100 sailors and 300 Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force South participated in the voyage. The mission combined training and operational evaluations with visits to countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, providing opportunities for cooperation with partner-nation military and civilian authorities.

After entering the Caribbean, AMERICA arrived at Cartagena, Colombia, on July 17, 2014, for the first foreign port visit of her voyage. Sailors and Marines participated in ship tours, military exchanges and community relations activities with Colombian personnel. The ship subsequently visited Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, beginning on July 21, where she received logistical support before continuing toward the Atlantic coast of South America.

During the voyage, AMERICA conducted flight operations with embarked MV-22B Ospreys and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters, allowing the crew to develop procedures for aircraft handling, flight deck operations and maintenance. Marine Corps personnel also conducted training and exchanges with regional forces during the port visits.

On August 5, 2014, AMERICA arrived at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a port visit lasting until August 8. The visit included professional exchanges with Brazilian naval personnel, shipboard tours and community relations activities. Following her departure, AMERICA proceeded southward along the Atlantic coast of South America and subsequently passed through the Strait of Magellan, the waterway separating mainland South America from Tierra del Fuego.

After entering the Pacific Ocean, AMERICA continued northward along the Chilean coast and arrived at Valparaiso, Chile, on August 24. During the visit, American and Chilean naval personnel conducted professional exchanges and discussed amphibious aviation operations and other naval capabilities. The crew also participated in local activities before the ship departed for Peru.

AMERICA arrived at Callao, Peru, on August 31, 2014, for the final South American port visit of the voyage. The ship remained until September 2, hosting visitors and conducting activities with Peruvian military personnel. After departing Callao, AMERICA proceeded toward the United States and arrived in Southern California on September 15, where she began final preparations for her formal commissioning ceremony.

On October 11, 2014, AMERICA was commissioned at San Francisco, California, during the city's annual Fleet Week celebrations. The ceremony was attended by Navy and Marine Corps officials, representatives of the shipbuilding industry, members of the crew and their families, and veterans of previous U.S. Navy ships named AMERICA. Captain Robert A. Hall Jr. became the ship's first commanding officer. After commissioning, AMERICA remained in San Francisco for public visits and Fleet Week activities before proceeding to her assigned homeport of San Diego.

During the remaining months of 2014 and early 2015, AMERICA conducted post-delivery testing, equipment evaluations and training in the Eastern Pacific. The activities included aviation operations, engineering assessments and inspections of the ship's combat and navigation systems. On April 3, 2015, AMERICA completed final contractor trials conducted under the supervision of the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey. The trials evaluated equipment performance and identified discrepancies requiring correction before the completion of the ship's initial warranty period.

Following the trials, AMERICA entered a ten-month Post-Shakedown Availability in San Diego. The maintenance and modernization program included equipment repairs, modifications and improvements to shipboard systems. A major component of the work involved alterations to support the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, including changes to aviation equipment and facilities needed for operation of the aircraft aboard an amphibious assault ship.

The Post-Shakedown Availability included thirteen Joint Strike Fighter modifications intended to prepare AMERICA for future F-35B operations. These changes were accompanied by repairs and adjustments to engineering equipment, electrical systems and other components identified during the ship's trials. The ship remained at Naval Base San Diego during much of the availability, with Navy personnel and civilian contractors carrying out the work.

On March 21, 2016, AMERICA returned to sea following completion of the maintenance period. The ship conducted sea trials off Southern California to evaluate the propulsion machinery, navigation systems and other equipment that had been repaired or modified during the availability. After completing the initial sea trials, AMERICA resumed operational training, including aviation exercises, ship handling and readiness certifications.

During the spring and summer of 2016, AMERICA prepared for participation in Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2016, a major multinational naval exercise conducted in Hawaiian waters and off Southern California. The ship departed San Diego with participating American and foreign naval units and conducted group sailing, communications exercises and amphibious training during the transit.

During RIMPAC 2016, AMERICA served as a major aviation and amphibious support platform for participating forces. The exercises included ship-to-shore operations, helicopter and tiltrotor flights, maritime security training and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief scenarios. On July 13, the ship conducted a mass-casualty exercise designed to evaluate its medical facilities and ability to receive and treat large numbers of casualties during an emergency.

The exercise involved coordination between medical personnel, aviation units and damage control teams, including the movement of simulated casualties from the flight deck to medical treatment areas. AMERICA subsequently continued combined maritime and amphibious training with participating naval forces before returning to San Diego in August.

During October 2016, AMERICA began a major series of F-35B developmental tests in the Eastern Pacific. The third and final phase of F-35B developmental testing at sea, designated Developmental Test III, involved personnel and aircraft from the F-35 Lightning II Patuxent River Integrated Test Force, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23, Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211.

The testing program began on October 23, with F-35B aircraft from the participating organizations embarking aboard AMERICA during the following days. On October 28, aircraft from VX-23 arrived to begin ship suitability and integration testing. The trials involved seven F-35B aircraft and a large team of military personnel, engineers, maintenance specialists, logisticians and test pilots.

During the three-week testing period, the aircraft conducted more than 120 short takeoffs and 120 vertical landings, together with vertical takeoffs and other flight operations. The developmental test team completed 60 flights totaling approximately 53.5 flight hours. The trials were conducted under varying weather and sea conditions to evaluate the aircraft's performance and operating limitations aboard large-deck amphibious ships.

The testing also evaluated aircraft handling, maintenance procedures, fuel and weapons support requirements and the integration of F-35B equipment with the ship's aviation facilities. Among the activities was the replacement of an F-35B power module in the hangar deck, demonstrating the ability to perform major aircraft maintenance while deployed at sea.

On November 17, 2016, the developmental testing program concluded aboard AMERICA. The results contributed to the establishment of flight operating procedures and clearances for the F-35B aboard amphibious assault ships. Following the tests, AMERICA resumed training and operational preparations for her first overseas deployment with an embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit.

During the first half of 2017, AMERICA conducted integrated training with Amphibious Squadron 3 and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The training included amphibious operations, aviation exercises, command-and-control activities and contingency-response scenarios. The Amphibious Ready Group consisted of AMERICA, USS SAN DIEGO (LPD 22) and USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52). The ships completed certification exercises off Southern California before preparing for deployment.

On July 7, 2017, AMERICA departed San Diego on her maiden overseas deployment as flagship of the AMERICA Amphibious Ready Group, with the 15th MEU embarked. Captain Joseph Olson commanded the ship. The deployment was intended to support maritime security operations, crisis response, amphibious training and theater security cooperation in the Seventh and Fifth Fleet areas of operations. After crossing the Pacific, AMERICA entered the Seventh Fleet area of operations on July 23 and conducted training while proceeding toward Southeast Asia. On August 6, the ship arrived at Singapore for a scheduled port visit, remaining until August 9. The crew and embarked Marines participated in community relations activities, shipboard maintenance and liberty ashore before resuming the deployment.

On August 14, AMERICA arrived at Sepanggar, Malaysia, for a port visit to Kota Kinabalu. During the stay, American sailors and Marines participated in professional exchanges with Royal Malaysian Navy personnel, community activities and organized visits ashore. AMERICA departed Malaysia on August 19 and continued operating in the South China Sea.

On August 21, 2017, the guided missile destroyer USS JOHN S. McCAIN (DDG 56) collided with the commercial tanker ALNIC MC near the Singapore Strait. The collision caused extensive damage to the destroyer and resulted in the deaths of ten American sailors. AMERICA was directed to Changi Naval Base, Singapore, to assist with the emergency response and arrived later that day. AMERICA provided berthing and messing facilities for 155 members of the damaged destroyer's crew, together with medical and dental support, counseling services, communications facilities and other assistance. Sailors from AMERICA also supported damage control operations aboard USS JOHN S. McCAIN, providing personnel, equipment and additional watchstanders while the damaged ship was stabilized alongside the pier.

The ship remained in Singapore during the search, rescue and initial repair operations. On August 27, AMERICA departed Changi Naval Base after completing her immediate support assignment and resumed the deployment toward the Indian Ocean and Middle East.

During September, AMERICA and the embarked 15th MEU participated in Exercise Alligator Dagger 2017 off the coast of Djibouti. The exercise involved a series of amphibious and expeditionary training events in the vicinity of Arta Beach, including raids, live-fire exercises, aviation operations and maritime security training. The activities were conducted in coordination with American forces stationed ashore and other U.S. naval units operating in the region.

The exercise included operations with USS LEWIS B. PULLER (ESB 3), an expeditionary sea base that had recently entered commissioned service. AMERICA and other participating ships conducted aviation and maritime operations while the embarked Marines practiced landing force deployment, sustainment and contingency-response procedures. On September 16, AMERICA operated with USS PEARL HARBOR, USS LEWIS B. PULLER and USS HOWARD (DDG 83) during naval exercises off Djibouti.

Following Alligator Dagger, AMERICA continued operations in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. On October 1, the ship passed northbound through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait while operating with USS KIDD (DDG 100). AMERICA subsequently visited Eilat, Israel, during October before returning southward through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait for further operations in the Fifth Fleet area.

During November 2017, AMERICA operated in the Arabian Sea and Arabian Gulf, maintaining the embarked 15th MEU available for regional contingencies. The ship conducted aviation operations, amphibious training and maritime security activities while supporting the U.S. naval presence in the region. On November 10, AMERICA arrived at Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a scheduled port visit that coincided with the Dubai Airshow. The visit provided maintenance, logistical support and liberty opportunities for the crew and embarked Marines.

After leaving Jebel Ali, AMERICA resumed operations in the Arabian Gulf. During late November, the ship conducted combined maritime training with USS HOPPER (DDG 70) and the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS WARRAMUNGA (FFH 152). The activities included formation maneuvers and exercises designed to improve cooperation among American and Australian naval forces.

On December 10, AMERICA arrived at Khalifa Bin Salman Port in Bahrain for another scheduled port visit. Following the stay, the ship continued operations in the Fifth Fleet area before beginning the return passage toward Southeast Asia. AMERICA subsequently passed through the Strait of Hormuz and proceeded eastward across the Indian Ocean.

On December 22, 2017, AMERICA returned to Singapore for a Christmas port visit. During the stay, the crew conducted routine maintenance and replenishment while sailors and Marines participated in liberty and recreational activities ashore. AMERICA departed Singapore on December 28 and continued eastward across the Western Pacific.

In January 2018, AMERICA and the Amphibious Ready Group completed the final phase of their deployment, conducting additional training and preparations for returning to the United States. The embarked Marines subsequently offloaded in Southern California. On February 2, 2018, AMERICA, USS SAN DIEGO and USS PEARL HARBOR returned to their homeports following approximately seven months deployed.

During the remainder of 2018, AMERICA underwent post-deployment maintenance, equipment inspections and operational training in the Eastern Pacific. The ship conducted local operations and preparations for future employment with the F-35B Lightning II as the Navy and Marine Corps continued developing the aviation capabilities of the AMERICA-class.

In April 2019, the Navy announced that AMERICA and USS NEW ORLEANS (LPD 18) would be assigned to the forward-deployed naval forces in Sasebo, Japan. AMERICA was selected to replace USS WASP (LHD 1), while USS STETHEM (DDG 63) was also scheduled to return from Japan to the United States. The planned homeport changes were intended to maintain modern naval capabilities in the Western Pacific and support operations with allied forces in the region.

During 2019, AMERICA continued training and maintenance in preparation for the move to Japan. On October 8, approximately thirteen operational F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 embarked aboard AMERICA during exercises in the Eastern Pacific. The flight operations included launches, recoveries and maintenance activities designed to evaluate the employment of a larger number of F-35B aircraft from an amphibious assault ship. The exercises involved aviation personnel from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and provided additional experience in integrating Marine Corps fixed-wing aircraft with shipboard aviation support systems. The concentration of F-35B aircraft aboard AMERICA was part of the Navy and Marine Corps evaluation of an aviation-intensive configuration sometimes referred to as the Lightning Carrier concept.

Following completion of the training period, AMERICA departed San Diego for her new homeport in Japan. The ship crossed the Pacific and arrived at Fleet Activities Sasebo on December 6, 2019, joining the U.S. Seventh Fleet's forward-deployed amphibious forces. Captain Luke Frost commanded AMERICA during the homeport transition. The ship became flagship of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven and joined Amphibious Squadron Eleven for routine operations with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

During early 2020, AMERICA began patrols and operational training in the Western Pacific. The ship conducted aviation operations, amphibious exercises and combined training with American and regional partner forces while integrating into the forward-deployed amphibious force. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic required additional health protection measures aboard the ship and affected port visits, liberty and other activities throughout the year.

In April 2020, AMERICA operated in the South China Sea during a period of increased regional maritime activity. The Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS PARRAMATTA (FFH 154) began combined operations with USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52) on April 13. On April 18, AMERICA and USS BARRY (DDG 52) joined the formation for additional combined maritime training. The ships conducted coordinated maneuvering exercises, communications training and other maritime operations intended to improve interoperability between American and Australian naval forces. AMERICA provided aviation and command capabilities while the accompanying surface combatants conducted their respective warfare training.

During June, AMERICA participated in bilateral training with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force training ships JS KASHIMA (TV 3508) and JS SHIMAYUKI (TV 3513). The exercises included maneuvering, communications and maritime coordination activities, providing additional opportunities for American and Japanese naval personnel to operate together in the Western Pacific.

In October 2020, AMERICA conducted combined aviation training with F-35A Lightning II fighters of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. On October 20, Japanese aircraft participated in air-defense and maritime training with the ship, demonstrating coordination between land-based fifth-generation fighters and an American amphibious assault ship operating at sea.

During the final months of 2020 and early 2021, AMERICA continued patrols, amphibious training and aviation operations with the 31st MEU. The ship maintained a forward-deployed contingency-response capability while conducting exercises with U.S. and allied naval forces in the Philippine Sea, East China Sea and surrounding waters.

During July 2021, AMERICA participated in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021, a major multinational military exercise conducted in northeastern Australia and the Coral Sea. The exercise involved American and Australian naval, air and ground forces, together with units from Canada, Japan, South Korea and other participating countries. AMERICA operated as flagship of an amphibious task group that included USS NEW ORLEANS and USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42). During the exercise, the group conducted amphibious operations, aviation training, maritime security activities and combined command-and-control exercises. The embarked Marines practiced the movement of personnel and equipment from ships to shore in cooperation with allied forces.

On July 22, AMERICA operated in a multinational naval formation in the Coral Sea that included USS RAFAEL PERALTA (DDG 115), USS NEW ORLEANS, USS GERMANTOWN, USNS RAPPAHANNOCK (T-AO 204), USNS ALAN SHEPARD (T-AKE 3), HMAS BRISBANE (DDG 41), HMAS PARRAMATTA, HMCS CALGARY (FFH 335), ROKS WANG GEON (DDH 978) and JS MAKINAMI (DD 112). The ships conducted formation maneuvering and other combined maritime training.

AMERICA completed her participation in Talisman Sabre on July 31, 2021, following two weeks of major multinational operations. The ship subsequently continued patrols and aviation training in the Western Pacific.

During August 2021, AMERICA participated in operations with the British aircraft carrier HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH (R 08), which was conducting its first operational deployment to the Indo-Pacific. The two ships operated together in the Philippine Sea, carrying F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to American and British aviation units.

From August 22 to 24, AMERICA and HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH conducted cyclic flight operations, including approximately 48 hours of continuous flight activity. The combined operations involved three F-35B squadron detachments operating from the two ships and included maritime strike training, aviation coordination and exercises involving the integration of American and British aircraft and shipboard personnel.

Following the exercises, AMERICA continued forward-deployed operations in the Western Pacific. During November, the ship hosted personnel from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS ISE (DDH 182) for a bilateral exchange that included shipboard tours, briefings and discussions concerning amphibious aviation and naval operations.

During early 2022, AMERICA prepared for a large-scale naval exercise with American and Japanese forces in the Philippine Sea. From February 3 to 7, the ship participated in Exercise Noble Fusion, which brought together the AMERICA and ESSEX Amphibious Ready Groups with the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force units.

The exercise involved AMERICA, USS ASHLAND (LSD 48), USS ESSEX (LHD 2), USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, USS MOBILE BAY (CG 53), USS DEWEY (DDG 105), USS SPRUANCE (DDG 111), USS MIGUEL KEITH (ESB 5) and the Japanese guided missile destroyer JS KONGO (DDG 173).

During Noble Fusion, the participating forces practiced the coordination of amphibious, carrier and expeditionary operations, including aviation training, communications, formation maneuvering and the rapid concentration of naval forces in a common operating area. The exercises also involved the employment of Marine Corps forces in support of maritime operations and the integration of different naval command elements.

Following Noble Fusion, AMERICA continued operations with the 31st MEU in the Seventh Fleet area. The ship conducted additional amphibious and aviation training during 2022, maintaining readiness for regional contingencies and combined exercises with allied forces. These operations took place in the Philippine Sea, East China Sea and other Western Pacific operating areas.

During early 2023, AMERICA and the 31st MEU prepared for Exercise Iron Fist, an annual combined exercise involving the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The 2023 exercise was the first iteration conducted in Japan rather than in the United States.

On February 20, 2023, AMERICA arrived at Osaka, Japan, for her first visit to that port. The visit provided logistical support and opportunities for exchanges with Japanese authorities before the exercise. American sailors and Marines participated in community relations activities and organized events ashore, while Japanese and American military representatives held briefings aboard the ship.

Following the Osaka visit, AMERICA and the embarked 31st MEU participated in Exercise Iron Fist 2023 at several locations in Japan and surrounding waters. USS GREEN BAY (LPD 20) and USS ASHLAND also participated in the exercise, which included amphibious operations, aviation training, ship-to-shore movement and combined planning with Japanese military forces. The training involved cooperation with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force amphibious ships, including JS OSUMI (LST 4001). Japanese and American forces conducted exercises involving landing craft, helicopters and ground combat units, practicing the coordination of amphibious operations across different military organizations.

On March 12, 2023, Exercise Iron Fist concluded with a ceremony aboard JS OSUMI at Okinawa. Following the exercise, AMERICA continued patrols and maritime training in the Western Pacific. On March 21, AMERICA arrived at Manila, Philippines, for a scheduled port visit with Marines from the 31st MEU embarked. The visit included official engagements, maintenance activities and opportunities for the crew to visit the city. American and Philippine military personnel also conducted exchanges concerning maritime and amphibious operations.

During the following months, AMERICA conducted additional training in the Western Pacific before proceeding southward toward Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023. The exercise involved a large multinational force conducting combined operations across northern and eastern Australia and adjacent waters. In July 2023, AMERICA arrived at Brisbane, Australia, where the ship conducted maintenance and logistical preparations for the exercise. On July 14, Captain Manny Pardo relieved Captain Shockey Snyder as commanding officer during a change-of-command ceremony aboard AMERICA while she was moored in Brisbane.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 began on July 22 and continued through August 4. AMERICA served as a major aviation and command platform for the participating amphibious forces, supporting combined training with American, Australian, Japanese and South Korean military units. Activities included amphibious landings, aviation operations, movement of ground forces and coordination between naval task groups.

On July 29, AMERICA participated in a multinational naval formation in the Coral Sea with USS GREEN BAY, USS NEW ORLEANS, USS RAFAEL PERALTA, USNS MATTHEW PERRY (T-AKE 9), USNS TIPPECANOE (T-AO 199), HMAS ADELAIDE (L 01), HMAS CHOULES (L 100), HMAS STALWART (A 304), JS IZUMO (DDH 183), JS SHIMOKITA (LST 4002), ROKS MARADO (LPH 6112) and ROKS MUNMU THE GREAT (DDH 976).

The participating ships conducted formation maneuvering and maritime training while their embarked aviation and amphibious forces continued operations associated with the exercise. Following Talisman Sabre, AMERICA returned to the Western Pacific and resumed patrols with the 31st MEU. During the remainder of 2023, AMERICA conducted aviation operations, amphibious training and exercises with Japanese and other regional partner forces. The ship continued operating from Sasebo as flagship of Expeditionary Strike Group Seven, supporting the forward-deployed naval force's regular training and contingency-response requirements.

In January 2024, AMERICA participated in integrated air and missile defense training with Japanese forces in the Western Pacific. The activities involved the coordination of naval and aviation units during simulated air-defense operations and provided additional opportunities for American and Japanese personnel to practice combined maritime operations. During February 2024, AMERICA and the 31st MEU prepared for another iteration of Exercise Iron Fist. The training was intended to improve cooperation among American and Japanese amphibious forces, including ship-to-shore movement, aviation operations and combined command-and-control procedures.

On February 27, 2024, AMERICA arrived at Osaka, Japan, for a scheduled port visit and logistical preparations for Iron Fist 2024. The ship was commanded by Captain Manny Pardo. During the visit, sailors and Marines participated in community relations activities, including assistance to the Holy Family Orphanage, and conducted exchanges with Japanese personnel. Following the visit, AMERICA participated in Exercise Iron Fist 2024 at several locations in Japan and surrounding waters. The exercise involved units of the 31st MEU, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, conducting amphibious operations and joint training in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions.

During the summer of 2024, AMERICA continued operating in the Western Pacific, maintaining the embarked Marines and aviation units available for amphibious and contingency-response operations. The ship conducted training and readiness activities in preparation for additional exercises with South Korean forces.

In late August and early September, AMERICA participated in Exercise Ssang Yong 2024, a major combined amphibious exercise involving American and South Korean naval and Marine Corps forces. The exercise included USS BOXER (LHD 4), the South Korean amphibious assault ships ROKS DOKDO (LPH 6111) and ROKS MARADO, and other participating units. During Ssang Yong, AMERICA supported aviation and amphibious operations, including the movement of Marines and equipment between ships and shore. American and South Korean forces conducted combined training intended to improve coordination during amphibious operations around the Korean Peninsula.

On September 5, 2024, AMERICA arrived at Busan, South Korea, for a scheduled port visit during the exercise. It was the first visit by the ship to South Korea since her commissioning in 2014. The stay included maintenance, replenishment and opportunities for exchanges with South Korean naval personnel. AMERICA departed Busan after completing the visit and resumed operations in the Seventh Fleet area.

During the remainder of 2024, AMERICA continued forward-deployed patrols and training in the Western Pacific. The ship conducted aviation operations, amphibious readiness exercises and combined training with allied naval forces while supporting the 31st MEU's regular patrol cycle.

In early 2025, AMERICA began another series of patrols and readiness activities from Sasebo. The ship conducted amphibious and aviation training with the embarked 31st MEU and other elements of the forward-deployed amphibious force. These activities included F-35B flight operations, MV-22B flights and integrated training with Marine Corps ground units.

In May 2025, the Navy began implementing a change in the forward-deployed amphibious force, with USS TRIPOLI designated to replace AMERICA in Sasebo. USS TRIPOLI departed San Diego on May 19 in preparation for assuming the forward-deployed role in Japan.

During June, AMERICA operated in the Solomon Sea and Coral Sea regions with the 31st MEU embarked. The ship continued amphibious and aviation training with regional partner forces while preparing for participation in Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. On June 14, 2025, AMERICA arrived at Sydney, Australia, for a scheduled port visit. The visit included official engagements, community relations activities, maintenance and crew liberty. The ship remained assigned to the Seventh Fleet's forward-deployed amphibious force and continued operations with the embarked 31st MEU.

During early July, AMERICA conducted F-35B Lightning II flight operations in the Coral Sea. Aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 operated from the ship as the aviation combat element maintained proficiency in fixed-wing missions. On July 9, AMERICA arrived at Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit and preparations for Talisman Sabre 2025. Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 began on July 13 and continued through August 4, bringing together more than 30,000 military personnel from Australia, the United States and numerous partner nations. The exercise included amphibious and airborne operations, land maneuvers, live-fire activities, aviation training and maritime operations across several Australian states and surrounding waters.

During Talisman Sabre, AMERICA supported the embarked Marines in amphibious and expeditionary exercises, providing aviation, command-and-control and logistical facilities for combined operations. The exercise involved cooperation with Australian naval and ground forces and other participating nations in training areas extending across northern and eastern Australia. After completing Talisman Sabre, AMERICA returned to Sasebo and began final preparations for her homeport change to San Diego. The transition included the transfer of responsibilities to the incoming forward-deployed amphibious force, removal and shipment of equipment, and preparations for the Pacific crossing.

On August 28, 2025, AMERICA departed Sasebo for the last time as a permanently forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, ending nearly six years of service based in Japan. During the return voyage, the ship crossed the Western and Central Pacific and arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, on September 8. AMERICA remained at Pearl Harbor until September 11, conducting maintenance, logistical support and preparations for the final passage to California. During this period, the ship also conducted aviation training, including deck landing qualifications involving U.S. Army AH-64E Apache helicopters.

After departing Hawaii, AMERICA continued eastward and completed preparations for her arrival in Southern California. On September 25, 2025, the ship entered San Diego Bay and arrived at Naval Base San Diego, completing the homeport shift from Sasebo to San Diego. The move brought AMERICA back under the administrative and operational arrangements of the U.S. Pacific Fleet's San Diego-based surface forces.

Following her return, AMERICA began preparations for a major Chief of Naval Operations maintenance availability at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. The planned work included repairs, inspections and modernization of shipboard systems following six years of forward-deployed operations in the Western Pacific. During the final months of 2025 and early 2026, the ship's crew and maintenance personnel prepared the vessel for an extended docking period. The work involved equipment removal, inspections, maintenance planning and preparations for placing the ship in drydock, where extensive structural and machinery repairs could be conducted.

On February 21, 2026, AMERICA entered the General Dynamics NASSCO floating drydock at San Diego for a regularly scheduled maintenance and modernization period. The availability was conducted under the supervision of the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center and involved Navy personnel, shipyard employees and contractors carrying out depot-level maintenance and repairs. The maintenance program included hull inspections, structural assessments, engineering repairs and work on major shipboard systems. The availability also provided an opportunity to address equipment deterioration resulting from the ship's operational service and to carry out modifications required for future missions.

On March 19, 2026, Captain Michael T. Plageman relieved Captain Ethan M. Rule as commanding officer of AMERICA during a change-of-command ceremony held while the ship was undergoing maintenance in San Diego. Following the ceremony, the crew continued supporting the availability, including equipment inspections, maintenance activities and preparations for the subsequent stages of the shipyard period. During the spring and summer of 2026, AMERICA remained in drydock at General Dynamics NASSCO. The shipyard workforce conducted structural repairs, hull maintenance, machinery work and additional repairs identified after shipboard systems and compartments were opened for inspection.

On August 11, 2026, AMERICA was successfully undocked on schedule, completing a major milestone in the ongoing Chief of Naval Operations availability. The operation was conducted by the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, industry partners and ship's force, and required the coordination of engineering, shipyard and waterfront personnel. Following undocking, AMERICA remained in the San Diego area for the continuation of maintenance and modernization work. The Navy announced the completion of the drydock phase on September 15, 2026, noting that the overall availability was continuing. At that time, the completion of the maintenance program was scheduled for 2027.

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Homeports of USS AMERICA:

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USS AMERICA Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS AMERICA a few hours after her commissioning during Fleet Week San Francisco on October 11, 2014.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning on October 13, 2014, during an open house aboard USS AMERICA (LHA 6) as part of Fleet Week San Francisco. The AMERICA was commissioned two days earlier.

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The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS AMERICA undergoing a Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on October 2, 2015. During the availability, the AMERICA receives 13 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) alterations in order to modify it for the USMC variant of the aircraft, becoming the first West Coast platform for F-35B Lightning II.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS AMERICA departing Naval Base San Diego, Calif., for a four-day underway on April 18, 2016.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS AMERICA at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on September 28, 2018.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show the USS AMERICA at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on March 2, 2019.

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