According to information published by the U.S. Navy on January 18, 2022, for the first time, the America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli has landed the new fifth-generation fighter F-53B Lightning II.
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America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and F-35B Lightning fighter (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
Tripoli has been steadily operating and training the crew in preparation for the underway flight operations with VMFA-122, which culminated in the fixed-wing certification for the ship.
Bringing the aircraft to the ship required a lot of coordination between Tripoli and the Marines who operate the fighter.
USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is the second America-class amphibious assault ship built for the United States Navy.
The design of Tripoli is based on USS Makin Island, which is itself an improved version of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Approximately 45% of the Flight 0 design is based on LHD-8, with the well deck removed to allow more room for aircraft and aviation fuel.
The removal of the well deck for landing craft allows for an extended hangar deck with two significantly wider high bay areas, each fitted with an overhead crane for aircraft maintenance.
Other enhancements include a reconfigurable command and control complex, an onboard hospital, and numerous aviation support spaces. The design of Tripoli features an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, and a significant increase in her available stowage for parts and support equipment.
