HII Begins Fabrication on Future USS Bougainville (LHA 8).

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division officially started fabrication of the America-class amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8) on Monday. The start of fabrication signifies that the shipyard is ready for sustained production and ready to move forward with the construction of the ship.

 Delivery of the amphibious assault ship Bougainville (LHA 8) is expected in 2024. HII photo

"Expeditionary warfare and power projection ashore is advancing at a historic pace - starting on this unique ship is a proud day for our Navy, Marine Corps and industry partners," said Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) James F. Geurts. "Bougainville represents the next generation of amphibious capabilities and is a key component to meet the demands of the National Defense Strategy. The ability to both support Joint Strike Fighter and put Marines ashore will ensure that the Amphibious Fleet remains agile and capable of expeditionary warfare well into the 21st century."

The LHA Replacement Program, also known as USS America (LHA 6) class, replace the original five Tarawa-class LHAs, which have all been decommissioned. The America class is designed to accommodate the Marine Corps' future Air Combat Element including F-35B Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) and MV-22 Osprey, with additional aviation maintenance capability and increased fuel capacities. It will also provide additional cargo stowage capacities and enable a broader, more flexible command and control capability.

 Video: HII unveiled the LHA-8 scale model at Sea Air Space 2017.

LHA 8 will be the first Flight I ship, and will reincorporate a well deck to increase operational flexibility. Bougainville will incorporate the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar volume air search radar in lieu of the AN/SPS-48G air search radar on America and Tripoli.

"We are excited to commence fabrication on the third ship of the America class," said Tom Rivers, Amphibious Warfare program manager for Program Executive Office Ships. "We look forward to achieving future production milestones as we work to deliver this versatile and capable warship to the Fleet."

HII's Pascagoula shipyard is also currently in production on Tripoli (LHA 7), the destroyers Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), Delbert D. Black (DDG 119), Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) and amphibious transport docks Fort Lauderdale (LPD 28) and Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29).

 Two of the design features of LHA-8: A redesigned (smaller but more efficient) Island and the addition of a large sponson for increased flight deck area.

 The main design feature of LHA-8: The reintroduction of the well deck for 2x LCACs. Note the Phalanx, ESSM and RAM launchers all at the stern (from right to left).