Navy gets new class of amphibious assault ship

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 14 (UPI) -- The first America-class amphibious assault ship has been delivered to the U.S. Navy by Ingalls Shipbuilding.

America-class ships are 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and displace 44,971 tons. They have a top speed of more than 20 knots. They will be capable of carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Marine helicopters, MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

"The shipbuilders of Ingalls have worked tirelessly to deliver this awesome, powerful warship to our U.S. Navy customer," said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. "This took more than just doing a job. This took dedication and working to a greater purpose, knowing that our family, friends and fellow Americans could serve on this great ship -- the highest quality LHA ever produced by Ingalls."

The America recently completed sea trials and is scheduled to be commissioned into service later this year in San Francisco, Calif. The new class of amphibious assault ship features an enlarged hangar deck, expanded aviation maintenance facilities and greater aviation fuel capacity than earlier ships.