10/13/2014: Second Line of Defense has followed the USS America in detail since it christening event.
Now the ship has been commissioned and will prepare for its active duty role.
It will do so in a troubled world, where the Marines and sailors are likely to see difficult duty in dangerous waters.
Lt. Cmdr. Bryan Cable, navigation officer on board amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), prepares to set the first watch at the ship’s commissioning ceremony.
America is the first ship of its class and the fourth to bear the name.
She replaces the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ship as the next generation “big-deck” amphibious assault ship and is optimized for aviation and capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter.
Credit: USS America:10/11/14
- In the second and third photos, the ceremonial color guard detail assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) parades the colors during America’s commissioning ceremony.
- In the fourth photo, U.S. Marines and Sailors march on the National Colors at the commissioning of USS America (LHA-6) during San Francisco Fleet Week on Oct. 11, 2014. The commissioning signifies the start of the new ship’s life as part of the Navy Fleet. San Francisco Fleet Week hosted Marines and Sailors that showcased the capabilities of humanitarian assistance disaster relief that the military offers in case of emergencies.
- In the fifth photo, members of Navy Band Southwest play the national anthem during the commissioning ceremony of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).
- In the sixth and seventh photos, more than 8,000 friends, family members and guests watch Sailors and Marines man the rails as they “bring the ship to life” during the commissioning ceremony of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).
- In the eighth photo, Sailors assigned to Weapons Department fire a 40-mm saluting battery aboard amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in honor of Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus’ arrival at America’s commissioning ceremony. America is the first ship of its class and the fourth to bear the name.
- In the 9th photo, Mr. Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy, addresses a crowd filled with U.S. Marines, Sailors and locals to the San Francisco area at the commissioning of USS America (LHA-6) during San Francisco Fleet Week on Oct. 11, 2014.
- In the 10th photo, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. David H. Berger, commanding general, 1 Marine Expeditionary Force, addresses a crowd filled with U.S. Marines, Sailors and locals to the San Francisco area at the commissioning of USS America (LHA-6) during San Francisco Fleet Week on Oct. 11, 2014.
- In the 11th photo, Mrs. Lynne Pace, sponsor of the Navy’s newest amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), orders the crew to “bring the ship to life” at the commissioning ceremony of America. America is the first ship of its class and the fourth to bear the name.
- In the 12th and 13th photos, Capt. Robert A. Hall Jr., commanding officer of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), delivers remarks at the ship’s commissioning ceremony.
- In the final photo, Lt. Bryan Cable, navigation officer on board amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), prepares to set the first watch at the ship’s commissioning ceremony.
For overview pieces on the USS America see the following:
The USS America: Redefining Amphibious Assault
10/08/2014 – The USS America is part of the evolving amphibious strike task force, and will work synergistically with other new or legacy assets in providing capabilities necessary for 21st century operations.
http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/the-uss-america-redefining-amphibious-assault/
For an overview on the USS America and its capabilities which was published earlier in Front Line Defence see the following:
http://www.frontline-defence.com/index_archives.php?page=2199
http://sldinfo.wpstage.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/USS-America.pdf