The 46,000-Ton USS America: An ‘Amphibious’ Assault Ship That’s Actually a Stealth Aircraft Carrier for the Marines

The 46,000-Ton USS America: An ‘Amphibious’ Assault Ship That’s Actually a Stealth Aircraft Carrier for the Marines

Key Points and Summary: The America-class Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ships are transforming the U.S. Marine Corps from a ground-heavy force into a lethal, sea-based strike arm for the Indo-Pacific. The Shift: Under Force Design 2030, the Marines have divested tanks to focus on island-hopping campaigns using ships like the USS America (LHA-6) and USS Tripoli (LHA-7). F-35 test pilot Marine Maj. Paul Gucwa from Air Test and Evaluation Squadr…