USS Tripoli (LHA-7)

"In ære terram marique"

USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is the second America-class amphibious assault ship built for the United States Navy, honoring the US Marine Corps victory in the Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War. This marks the third time the name has been used in the Navy, following USS Tripoli (CVE-64) and USS Tripoli (LPH-10).

The design of USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is heavily influenced by USS Makin Island, and about 45% of the Flight 0 design is based on LHD-8. Innovations include an extended hangar deck, overhead cranes for aircraft maintenance, a reconfigurable command and control complex, an on-board hospital, and significantly increased stowage for parts and support equipment. The design changes were made to facilitate the future air combat element of the U.S. Marine Corps, including the F-35B Lightning II, although construction delays have postponed the final installations for the aircraft.

Construction was handled by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, starting in July 2013, with the ship's keel laid in June 2014. Launched in May 2017, USS Tripoli (LHA-7) was christened that September. As of 2019, the ship was behind production schedules but was finally delivered to the Navy in February 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ship saw a minor outbreak of the virus, with at least 9 sailors testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in April 2020. The outbreak was contained, and the ship was commissioned in Pascagoula in July 2020. USS Tripoli (LHA-7) then completed a homeport shift to San Diego, California, in September 2020.

USS Tripoli (LHA-7)'s maiden deployment began on 2 May 2022, where she took on 20 F-35Bs in a test of the "lightning carrier" concept. The ship then transitioned to an amphibious ready role, embarking the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit at Naval Base Okinawa, Japan. She made a port call at Singapore's Changi Naval Base on 31 August 2022, before returning to San Diego on 29 November 2022.

As an advanced and versatile vessel, USS Tripoli (LHA-7) represents a significant development in the Navy's capabilities, both in terms of amphibious assault and air combat support. Her history and characteristics underscore the ongoing evolution and modernization of the United States Naval fleet, reflecting the commitment to maintaining maritime dominance and enhancing naval flexibility. Her service history and continued readiness underscore the strategic value and importance of this class of ship in supporting the missions and operational requirements of the United States Navy.