First Group of USS America Carrier Veteran's and families to board the LHA 6

 13 Sept 2012

                                                                


lYNN PACE CHRISTENS LHA AMERICA

 20 OCT 2012

 

Complete DVID video of the christening is available by clicking the photo here. 

Click here to view the DVIDs video of christening


Prospective Commanding Officer of USS AMERICA (LHA-6)

11 Oct 2012 9:31 AM | Robert Ranieri

ROBERT A. HALL JR.
CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES NAVY

A native of Billerica, Massachusetts, Captain Bob Hall graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1984 with a Bachelors degree in Marine Transportation and a USCG Unlimited Third Mates License. As a Merchant Mariner, he shipped out commercially on a variety of vessels to include voyages in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Captain Hall received his naval commission from OCS in 1989.

Afloat, Captain Hall most recently served as Commanding Officer in USS PORTER (DDG 78) from December 2006 to June 2008. During his command PORTER earned the prestigious Battle “E” award for exceptional battle readiness and completed a highly successful forward deployment to the CENTCOM theater of operation, conducting anti-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa. Previous sea duties include: Executive Officer in USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47) from December 2001 to May 2003; pre-commissioning Chief Engineer in USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75) from November 1997 to February 2000; and, Chief Engineer in USS PETERSON (DD 969) from October 1995 to August 1997. Commander Hall began his navy career as the Damage Control Assistant and Auxiliaries Officer in USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD 981) from October 1989 to December 1992.

Ashore, Captain Hall last served as the Executive Assistant (EA) to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Global Force Management, Joint Operations, Plans, Policy and Training (N3N5N7) at U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC). Other shore tours include: Lead Maritime Homeland Defense planner at USFFC; National Military Command Center (NMCC) Systems Operations Branch Chief in the Operations Directorate (J-3) on the Joint Staff; and, Naval Weapons Program Analyst on the OPNAV Staff in Washington DC. Additionally, Captain Hall has attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey CA, where he earned a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington DC, where he earned a Masters degree in National Resource Strategy.

Captain Hall’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards) and numerous unit citations. He is married to the former Kasey Mullen of Bangor, ME and they have been blessed with two children, Andrew and Rebecca.

Captain Hall is the prospective
(Captain America)
Commanding Officer of AMERICA (LHA-6),
the lead ship of the Navy’s newest ship class
the 45,000 ton AMERICA-class.


Navy accepted delivery of LHA6 America

10 Apr 2014 6:30 PM | Thomas Tramantano
 

Published on Apr 10, 2014

More than 900 Sailors and Marines assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) America (LHA 6) march to the ship to take custody of it. The U.S. Navy officially accepted delivery of the amphibious assault ship from Huntington Ingalls Industries during a custody transfer ceremony in Pascagoula, Miss. April 10. America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ships and is scheduled to be commissioned late 2014 in San Francisco.

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The Navy accepted delivery of the future USS America (LHA 6) from Huntington Ingalls Industries April 10.

America, the lead ship of the class, is the first of the Navy's next generation amphibious assault ships which replaces the aging Tarawa class. Delivery marks the official turnover of custody of the ship from the shipbuilder to the U.S. Navy.

"This is a great Navy and Marine Corps day," said Capt. Christopher Mercer, Amphibious Warfare program manager for the Program Executive Office, Ships. "This ship's delivery will bring significant new capability in both amphibious assault and aviation support, while enhancing forward presence around the world."

America completed sea trials in February, with no major deficiencies identified. Following delivery, the commissioning crew will move aboard and begin shipboard training in preparation for ship sail away. The ship's commissioning is slated for late 2014 in San Francisco.

The ship will provide forward presence and power projection throughout the world as an integral part of joint, interagency and multinational maritime expeditionary forces. Her addition to the fleet brings not only added amphibious capabilities, but also further aviation capabilities as she will be able to handle current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 and the Joint Strike Fighter.

LHA 6 uses the same zonal electrical distribution, electric auxiliary systems, and auxiliary propulsion system as the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), resulting in lower fuel, maintenance and lifecycle costs. By using these proven systems, the U.S. Navy is avoiding design and development costs often associated with a first in class ship.

America is the first ship of the Amphibious Assault Replacement Program, LHA(R). The LHA 6 design removes the traditional well deck to include space for an enlarged hangar deck, expanded aviation maintenance facilities, and an increase in available stowage for parts, support equipment and aviation fuel. America spans an expansive 844 feet, displaces an impressive 44,971 long tons and can operate at speeds of over 20 knots.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets - while balancing affordability and capability - is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy and the future of U.S. Maritime strength.



Future USS America (LHA 6) leaves shipyard for san diego

11 Jul 2014 11:35 AM | Thomas Tramantano

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- The future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) departed in commission without ceremony from Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., July 11 in transit to its homeport of San Diego.

America is scheduled to be formally commissioned during a ceremony in San Francisco, California Oct. 11, witnessed by the friends and family of the ship's 1,100 plankowners. The Navy officially accepted delivery of the ship from Ingalls Shipbuilding during a ship custody transfer ceremony, April 10.

America earned commission status after the crew successfully completed the light-off assessment, anti-terrorism force protection certification and crew certification. These are the three major inspections needed before a U.S. Navy warship can get underway for the first time.
             
"This is the beginning, but we have a long way to go," said Capt. Robert A. Hall Jr., America's commanding officer, to his crew during an all hands call. "You guys make the foundation. What we do from this point forward will dictate the kind of ship America's going to be, and I'm excited to get out there and introduce her to the fleet."

America is scheduled to transit U.S. Southern Command's area of responsibility (AOR) throughout the next couple months. During the transit, referred to as "America Visits the Americas," the ship will engage in cooperative maritime security operations with partner nations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the AOR. In addition, America will embark more than 300 Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) South.

The ship will visit Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Peru as well as Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba while also conducting engagements with other valued partners in the AOR. These nations are valued friends and partners and the visits to these ports will enhance these partnerships. During these port visits, the ship's military and civilian crew may have the opportunity to experience the rich culture of their host nation and to serve as goodwill ambassadors. Additionally many of America's Sailors and Marines will have the chance to volunteer for enhancement projects at local schools, orphanages, and other facilities.

America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tawara-class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation "big-deck" amphibious ship, America is optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet and U.S. Marine Forces South support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.


USS AMERICA LHA 6 - Commissioning  - 11 Oct 2014


Members of the CVA were present to witness her commissioning.

 

Afterwards several members of the CVA's Board of Directors had the honor of

sailing with her to San Diego.

 

We are happy to say the AMERICA's spirit is alive and well.

The crew is a hand picked group of sailors who are all at the top of their rates.

They all showed us a great deal of respect and allowed us free roam of the ship.

Captain Hall made sure to do a head count of us to make sure no one stowed away.

While it is a different Navy from when we served, it is something to very proud of.


LHA 6 Photo album

Click the images to enlarge