The US Navy amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) has completed its first deployment to the US 3rd and 7th fleet areas of operations.
Based in San Diego, the America-class vessel was commissioned in 2020 and is operated by the US Navy Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG 3).
During its mission, the vessel carried 16 F-35Bs as part of the Lightning Carrier Concept in partnership with the US Marine Corps.
The deployment served as preparation for the Valiant Shield 22 and Noble Fashion exercises, where the navy and marines underwent certification activities before joining the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the Kamandag 2022 bilateral exercise.
“I am proud of Tripoli for a successful first deployment. The ship and crew are on the leading edge, setting the example and testing the limits of the assault ship,” ESG 3 Commander Rear Adm. James Kirk said.
“LHAs are designed to support the future of the Marine Corps Air Combat Element, and Tripoli has done just that. I am excited to see what else they can bring to the fight.”
Milestone for USS Tripoli Sailors
The USS Tripoli completed over 2,000 hours of flight and achieved more than 40,000 nautical miles during the exercises.
The ship teamed up with partners and allies such as Singapore and Japan throughout the drills. It also visited Tasmania and mainland Australia for port stops.
The Tripoli personnel also achieved individual accomplishments, including qualifications in warfare, supply corps, deck, and medical on the maiden deployment.
“A sailor earning their primary warfare pin is a great way for them to better themselves and it’s a milestone in their career, but also it’s important sailors have a deeper understanding of the role that they and their shipmates play in the ship’s operations,” Command Master Chief Matthew Logsdon said.
