UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
Huntington Ingalls delivers Tripoli to USN
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) delivered the America-class amphibious assault ship Tripoli (LHA 7) to the US Navy in a ceremony at its shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The ship will be commissioned as USS Tripoli later in 2020 and will then sail to its homeport in San Diego, California. It is expected to be deployed on a variety of missions including maritime security, anti-piracy, humanitarian assistance and supporting ground forces.
Bryan Williams, LHA 7 programme manager at HII, said: ‘The LHA team is proud to witness the delivery of the 15th large-deck amphibious ship built at Ingalls.’
HII is the only manufacturer of large-deck amphibious ships for the USN. The vessel will accommodate tiltrotor MV-22 and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft after joining the Amphibious Ready Group.
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