HII-built amphib delivers Marines

During initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) exercises in December 2017, the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) proved it can put Marines on the beach “in adequate timeline to meet power projection requirements,” according to a January 2018 final report from the Commander Operational Test and Evaluation. The Navy released the report in response to questions of the ship’s effectiveness raised in January by the Defense Department’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOTE). “The movement of marines, cargo, and vehicles during testing failed to generate the operational tempo required … for an adequate operational test,” DOTE noted. The Navy, however, said the LHA managed to accommodate exercises and IOT&E. America deployed in July 2017, and completed a successful six month maiden deployment, which included participation in Operation ‘Alligator Dagger’, a sustainment exercise, the Navy responded. DOTE also noted several other deficiencies. (Source: Jane’s Defense Weekly 02/23/18) Gulf Coast Note: LHA-6 was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.