Across the globe, Ingalls-built ships are playing essential roles in keeping U.S. forces supplied, mobile and ready. The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) showcased that capability during a high‑tempo logistics mission in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.Â
MH‑60S Sea Hawks from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 executed vertical replenishment flights between Tripoli and the Lewis and Clark‑class dry cargo ship USNS Alan Shepard (T‑AKE 3). The helicopters ferried vital supplies from ship to ship, sustaining Tripoli as it supports maritime security and stability throughout the Middle East.Â
Why It MattersÂ
Replenishment-at-sea operations are a lifeline for deployed forces, allowing ships like Tripoli to remain on station for extended periods without returning to port. As an aviation‑centric amphib, LHA 7 is engineered to support these demanding missions through its expansive flight deck, aviation facilities and advanced command-and-control capabilities.Â
For ContextÂ
The keel for USS Tripoli (LHA 7) was laid at Ingalls in 2014. The ship was christened in 2017 with Lynne Mabus, wife of former U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, as the ship’s sponsor. The ship, which is named in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps victory against Tripoli at the Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War, was commissioned at Ingalls in 2020. LHA 7 is the second America-class amphibious assault ship built at Ingalls.Â
Wherever they deploy, Ingalls-built ships demonstrate the craftsmanship and purpose behind our work. Â
