Bourgainville LHA launched but future of US Navy amphibious ship procurement remains uncertain
The US Navy is mandated to sustain its major amphibious ship capability at a force of 31 ships under the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. (Photo: HII).
The third America-class Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ship, Bourgainville (LHA 08), has been launched by Huntington Industries Ingalls (HII) shipyard but this progress comes against the backdrop of a dispute about amphibious ships within Congress and the US defence establishment.
Procurement of both the America-class LHAs and the San Antonio-class (LPD-17) Flight II Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious ships are in question. There are ongoing concerns about viability of the existing LHA and LPD projects in supplying the right ships for future US Navy operations.
HII announced on 6 October that it had launched Bourgainville in a ceremony at its shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in September and it is expected that the ship will be commissioned between 2024 and 2025. The ship is the first Flight I LHA in the class, the first two ships being designated Flight 0.
Meanwhile,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
