The future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) will conduct a port visit to Cartagena, Colombia on July 17.
During the visit, the ship’s military and civilian crew will have the opportunity to experience the rich culture of this host nation and serve as goodwill ambassadors.
Capt. Robert A. Hall Jr., America’s commanding officer, said: “This will be our first port during the ship’s ‘America Visits the Americas’ transit and the crew and I are excited to enjoy the rich culture of the country.”
The ship will visit Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Peru as well as Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba while also conducting engagements with other valued partners in the area of responsibility. These nations are valued friends and partners and the visits to these ports will enhance these partnerships.
America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tawara-class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation “big-deck” amphibious ship, America is optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. The ship is scheduled to be commissioned Oct. 11 in San Francisco.
[mappress]