The U.S. Military Has ‘Mini Aircraft Carriers’ With F-35s: Meet The America-Class Assault Ship

America-class LHAs are the Navy’s largest amphibs and “lightning carriers” for USMC F-35B STOVL jets. USS America (LHA-6) and USS Tripoli (LHA-7)—omit a well deck to add fuel, maintenance space, and a 20–25 aircraft air group, boosting F-35B reach and sortie rates.45,700 tons, 844 ft, two gas turbines, >20 knots, and ESSM/RAM/CIWS self-defense. America is returning to San Diego; Tripoli is forward-deployed to Sasebo.

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