UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
USS Tripoli commissioned into service
The USN commissioned its newest amphibious assault ship, USS Tripoli, into service on 15 July, the second of a planned 11 America-class vessels intended to replace the preceding Wasp-class platforms.
Due to health restrictions put in place to combat the COVID-19 pandemic the USN did not hold a public commissioning ceremony.
The 45,000t vessel is capable of embarking fixed-wing and rotary aviation elements in addition to supporting 1,600 USMC personnel for amphibious assault. The first two ships in the America class, USS America and USS Tripoli, will have a greater aviation capacity than subsequent vessels which will feature an enlarged well-deck.
Having spent the past several months in sea trials USS Tripoli will now transition to scheduled operations, according to the USN.
The commissioning comes as the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard suffered extensive damage following a fire while undergoing planned maintenance at San Diego naval base.
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