Amphib USS Tripoli Joins Fleet

The USS Tripoli transits the Gulf of Mexico during builder’s trials last July. Tripoli is the third U.S. Navy ship named for the Battle of Derne in 1805. U.S. NAVY via Huntington Ingalls Industries/Derek Fountain

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Tripoli on July 15, the Navy’s Office of the Navy Chief of Information said in a release.

Although the Navy canceled the traditional public commissioning ceremony due to public health and safety restrictions on large public gatherings, the sea service commissioned the USS Tripoli administratively and the ship transitioned to normal operations. Meanwhile, the Navy is looking at a future opportunity to commemorate the event with the USS Tripoli’s sponsor, crew and commissioning committee.

“USS Tripoli is proof of what the teamwork of all of our people — civilian, contractor and military — can accomplish together,” Navy Secretary Kenneth J. Braithwaite said. “This ship will extend the maneuverability and lethality of our fleet to confront the many challenges of a complex world, from maintaining the sea lanes to countering instability to maintaining our edge in this era of renewed great power competition.”

Rear Adm. Philip E. Sobeck, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3, welcomed the Navy’s newest amphib and its crew to the amphibious force.

Quartermaster 3rd Class Sophia Puentes (left) and Quartermaster Seaman Lauren Ware, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, prepare to hoist the commissioning pennant during a small ceremony as the ship transitioned into naval service on July 15. U.S. NAVY / Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian Biller

“Tripoli is an example of the continued investment in our Navy, to increase and maintain our edge on the battlefield,” Sobeck said. “Congratulations to Tripoli’s crew for all of your hard work, amidst these challenging times, to reach this milestone.”

LHA 7 incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. Tripoli’s design features 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 is the first LHA replacement ship to depart the shipyard ready to integrate the entire future air combat element of the Marine Corps, to include the F-35B joint strike fighter.

Along with its pioneering aviation element, LHA 7 incorporates a gas turbine propulsion plant, zonal electrical distribution and fuel-efficient electric auxiliary propulsion systems first installed on USS Makin Island (LHD 8). LHA 7 is 844 feet in length, has a displacement of about 44,000 long tons and will be capable of operating at speeds of over 20 knots.

Tripoli’s commanding officer, Capt. Kevin Myers, highlighted Tripoli’s accomplishments over the past several months getting through initial sea trials.

“Being the third ship to bear the Tripoli namesake is a profound honor and this crew stands ready to carry on the legacy of our longstanding Navy and Marine Corps amphibious community,” Meyers said.

LHA 7’s name honors the Marines and approximately 370 soldiers from 11 other nationalities who captured the city of Derna, Libya, during the 1805 Battle of Derna. The battle resulted in a subsequent peace treaty and the successful conclusion of the combined operations of the First Barbary War and was later memorialized in the Marines’ Hymn with the line, “to the shores of Tripoli.”