USS Tripoli commissioned into service
The USN commissioned its newest amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli, into service on 15 July, the second of a planned 11 America-class vessels intended to replace the preceding Wasp-class platforms.
Due to health restrictions put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic the USN did not hold a public commissioning ceremony.
The 45,000t vessel is capable of embarking fixed-wing and rotary aviation elements in addition to supporting 1,600 USMC personnel for amphibious assault. The first two ships in the America class, USS America and USS Tripoli, will have a greater aviation capacity than subsequent vessels which will feature an enlarged well-deck.
Having spent the past several months in sea trials USS Tripoli will now transition to scheduled operations, according to the USN.
The commissioning comes as the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard suffered extensive damage following a fire while undergoing planned maintenance at San Diego naval base.
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