Ingalls Lays Keel for Fourth America-Class Amphibious Assault Vessel

HII Ingalls Shipbuilding has laid the keel of the US Navy’s subsequent America-class amphibious assault ship, the USS Fallujah (LHA 9), in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The LHA 9 is the 4th vessel to be constructed below the America-class program and the second ship to have a well-deck construction.

It can have options much like the USS Bougainville (LHA 8), together with enhanced aviation functionality, added floor assault weapons, and a bigger flight deck to help the F-35 Lightning II multi-role fight jet and MV-22 Osprey vertical/quick takeoff and touchdown tiltrotor plane.

Moreover, the ship will embrace medical services incorporating full working suites and triage capabilities.

“Ingalls is honored to mark this essential milestone with our shipbuilders and so lots of our crucial companions right here as we speak,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson acknowledged.

“Whether or not representing namesake, buyer, neighborhood or shipyard, as we speak’s keel occasion demonstrates the distinctive connection we now have to at least one one other by means of this trade and thru our respective devotion to service.”

The USS Fallujah

LHA 9 will sail alongside different America-class vessels to function for US Navy amphibious-ready teams and US Marine Corps expeditionary models as soon as accomplished.

It’s anticipated to supply fast fight energy buildup at sea and maintain theater logistics and air superiority.

The 844-foot (257.3-meter) ship could have a pace of over 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour), a capability of greater than 1,600 personnel, and armaments similar to Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, NATO Sea Sparrow and Advanced Sea Sparrow Missile launchers, 20-millimeter Phalanx Shut-In Weapon System mounts, and .50-caliber machine weapons.

Whereas constructed with designs near current navy carriers, the LHA 9 will primarily serve rotorcraft. Along with the MV-22s, the vessel can accommodate CH-53E Sea Stallion, MH-60S Seahawk, UH-1Y Huey, and AH-1Z Tremendous Cobra helicopters.

“This ship gives crucial amphibious assault capabilities, whereas additionally having the flexibleness to help different missions, similar to humanitarian efforts, when known as upon,” US Navy Amphibious Warfare Program Supervisor Cedric McNeal mentioned.

“With the beginning of fabrication in late 2022 and the keel laying commemorated as we speak, regular progress is being made and we look ahead to ultimately delivering this ship to the warfighter.”