UPDATE: Tripoli christened at HII

The Navy christened its newest America-class amphibious assault ship, the future USS Tripoli (LHA 7), Sept. 16 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. Thomas Dee, performing duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Lynne Mabus, wife of former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, served as the ship’s sponsor. LHA 7 will incorporate key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation centric platform. The design of the future Tripoli will feature an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. The ship will also be the first LHA replacement ship to depart the shipyard fully ready to integrate the entire future air combat element of the Marine Corps, including the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. Along with its pioneering aviation element, LHA 7 will incorporate a gas turbine propulsion plant, zonal electrical distribution, and fuel efficient electric auxiliary propulsion systems first installed on USS Makin Island (LHD 8). (Source: U.S. Navy 09/14/17) UPDATE: Lynne Mabus breaks champagne bottle to christen Tripoli. http://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file?fid=59bd69372cfac2083a47492a