HII Ingalls Shipbuilding has christened the US Navy’s third America-class amphibious assault ship in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The USS Bougainville (LHA 8) is a multi-functional vessel that can deploy in obstructed conditions.
Its operational flexibility in various environments will further support the service’s expeditionary strike groups, amphibious-ready groups, and amphibious task forces.
The design of the LHA 8 was based on the enhanced Wasp-class amphibious assault ships.
While other variants under the America class incorporate larger spaces to carry aviation fuel and aircraft, LHA 8’s structure has slightly smaller medical space and a hangar to fill in additional well deck area for small docking systems.
The ship’s island was also modified to support maintenance for the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
The Pascagoula ceremony followed the vessel’s launch in October. HII received the $2.4 billion contract to build LHA 8 last year.
HII is expected to deliver the system to the US Navy by 2024.
Testament to Cooperation
LHA 8 is the second ship to bear the name of Bougainville Island in the Solomons.
Inspiration for adopting the title was the success of interoperability between the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and allied forces during World War II.
This coordination enabled warfighters to secure a strategic airfield in the northern Solomons, limiting the dominance of Japanese forces in the South Pacific.
“Today is not only a day to celebrate our namesake, representatives of the successful outcome of a World War II campaign, but also the teamwork and collaboration of our United States Navy and Marine Corps that enabled it,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson stated.
“To fulfill our mission here in the shipyard, our sailors and Marines serve as a stellar example of how this extended network works together to fulfill a bigger purpose.”
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