USS Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship, sails into enchantment as it charms Tasmania's coastline, demonstrating its strength and grace.

Amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) arrived in Hobart, Tasmania for a scheduled port visit Nov. 10, 2022. Tripoli demonstrated the Navy’s dedication to reaffirming relations with Tasmania by hosting a tour and reception for members of the Tasmanian Parliament and local news media. The tour took reporters through the vehicle stowage area, hangar bay and flight deck, where subject-matter experts explained their roles and responsibilities aboard Tripoli. In addition to hosting government officials and news media, the crew also took the unique opportunity to explore Tasmania. Tripoli’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team organized tours to give Sailors a chance to experience local culture.

Port visits are a valuable opportunity for the U.S. Navy to strengthen relationships with partners and allies around the world and learn more about their vibrant cultures. The visit to Hobart provided Tripoli a rare opportunity to experience a part of the world many Sailors may never see. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It was so fun to get so see the animals in Australia, and particularly in Tasmania, especially the Tasmanian devils,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Samuel Asbury. “Going to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary was a once in a lifetime experience.”

“I was very impressed by their professionalism and their curiosity about the aircraft, flight operations, and the experiences of being a Sailor,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) 1st Class Juan Deltoro, from Aurora, Illinois.

USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is the second America-class amphibious assault ship built for the United States Navy. On 7 May 2012, United States Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the ship’s name as Tripoli, in honor of the US Marine Corps victory against Tripoli at the Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War. This is the third US Naval ship to carry the name, the first being USS Tripoli (CVE-64), an escort carrier from World War II and the second being USS Tripoli (LPH-10), an amphibious assault ship that served during the Cold War.

Amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA- 7) , departs Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., April 7, 2022. Tripoli completed flight deck operations with 20 F-35B Lightning II jets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 211 and 225, Marine Aircraft Group 13, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, as well as Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1, as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Lightning carrier concept demonstration. The Lightning carrier concept demonstration shows Tripoli and other amphibious assault ships are capable of operating as dedicated fixed-wing strike platforms when needed, capable of bringing fifth generation Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing aircraft wherever they are required. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz)

The design of Tripoli is based on USS Makin Island, which is itself an improved version of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Other enhancements include a reconfigurable command and control complex, an on-board 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.