PASCAGOULA, Miss. — The Navy will christen its newest America-class amphibious assault ship, the future USS Tripoli (LHA 7), during a 10 a.m. ceremony Sept. 16, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. LHA 7 features an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. The ship will be the first LHA replacement ship to depart the shipyard fully ready to integrate the entire future air combat element of the Marine Corps, including the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. LHA 7 will incorporate a gas turbine propulsion plant, zonal electrical distribution, and fuel efficient electric auxiliary propulsion systems first installed on USS Makin Island (LHD 8). (Source: U.S. Navy, 09/15/17)
