US Navy’s 3rd America-Class Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bougainville, Christened In Mississippi

In Mississippi’s Pascagoula, HII Ingalls Shipbuilding christened the third amphibious assault vessel belonging to the US Navy’s America class. The USS Bougainville (LHA 8) is a multi-purpose vessel that is capable of operating in obstructed areas.

Its operational adaptability in a variety of locations will help the service’s expeditionary strike units and amphibious-ready groups, as well as amphibious task teams.

The LHA 8 was based on the improved Wasp-class amphibious assault vessels.

While other America class versions have wider slots to transport aviation fuel and planes, the LHA 8 structure includes a smaller medical facility and a hangar to fit in extra well deck space for tiny docking systems.

The ship’s island was also modified to accommodate V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft repair. The Pascagoula ceremony came after the vessel’s October launch. Last year, HII was awarded a $2.4 billion deal to build LHA 8.

The system is expected to be delivered to the US Navy by HII in 2024. LHA 8 is the second vessel that carries the title of Bougainville Island in the Solomon Islands.

The title was inspired by the achievement of interoperability between the US Marine Corps, US Navy, and allies during WWII. This cooperation allowed warfighters to safeguard a critical airport in the northern Solomons, restricting Japanese troops’ control in the South Pacific.

It is time to honour not only the namesake, representatives of the triumphant outcome of a WWII operation but also the partnership of the US Navy and Marine Corps that enabled it, said Kari Wilkinson, Ingalls Shipbuilding President.

The sailors and Marines are a shining example of how this broader network works to fulfil broader purposes in the shipyard.

Reference: MarineLink

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