USS Tripoli completes final contract trials

The USS Tripoli (LHA 7), the second America-class amphibious assault ship in the United States Navy’s fleet, completed final contract trials (FCT) on August 26, according to a press release issued by the NAVSEA.

FCT are a component of a ship’s post-delivery test period and mark the final in-depth review of the ship, the crew, and its systems. Trials were conducted by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey over a four day period and consisted of both in-port and at-sea evaluations. The at-sea phase included full power runs, demonstrations of combat systems, simulated damage control situations and other events designed to fully flex the ship’s crew and its systems.

“USS Tripoli is ready to significantly contribute to a larger, more lethal and more ready fleet,” said Capt. Cedric McNeal, program manager, Amphibious Warfare Programs, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “With the completion of FCTs, this platform is one step closer to providing significant capability and power projection to our Sailors.”

LHA 7, commissioned in July 2020, incorporates key components to provide the fleet with a more aviation-centric platform. The ship’s design features an enlarged hangar deck, aviation maintenance facilities realignment and expansion, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity.

The ship also recently conducted its first Combat System Ship Qualification Trials to demonstrate the ship’s weapons systems’ ability to effectively engage and destroy incoming threats in an operational environment. The ship will continue with its Post Shakedown Availability before eventual fleet tasking.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.

USS Tripoli is homeported in San Diego. The ship is assigned to Amphibious Squadron 7.

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