LHA 6 back from builder's trials

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Ingalls Shipbuilding division's multipurpose amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) returned Saturday from successful builder's sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Ingalls' test and trials team started with dock trials Monday and then spent five days operating the ship at sea. During builder's trials, America performed all required sea trial evolutions, including the operation of the gas turbine/electric-powered propulsion system. Other tests included anchor handling, flight operations, and combat systems' evaluations. The ship will now prepare for acceptance sea trials in late January to demonstrate the same tests and operational success to the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). (Source: Huntington Ingalls, 11/14/13)