HII holds keel laying cermemony for America class LHA USS Fallujah.

According to a PR published by the US DoD on September 20, 2023, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) held the keel laying and authentication ceremony for the future USS Fallujah (LHA 9).
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Fallujah. (Picture source: US Navy)

The new vessel will serve as a lasting tribute to the First and Second Battles of Fallujah that occurred during the Iraq War.  Highlighting the ship's diverse capabilities, it was mentioned that the USS Fallujah, being the second Flight 1 LHA, is primed for amphibious assaults and can readily adapt to humanitarian operations. With the initiation of its fabrication last year, the ship is steadily progressing towards its integration into the military.

The USS Fallujah is the fourth installment in the America class of amphibious assault ships. These vessels are tailored to ensure a strong forward presence and power projection. It uniquely combines operational adaptability with the comprehensive aviation capacities characteristic of its class.

America-class ships are meticulously engineered to align with the Marine Corps' strategies for sea-based combat, facilitating rapid onshore combat deployment.

They are equipped to house state-of-the-art machinery such as the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter and the MV-22 Osprey, essential for air dominance and logistical functions.

Technical data

The amphibious assault ship has a displacement of 44,971 long tons, measures 844 feet in length, and has a beam of 106 feet. Its draft is 26 feet or 7.9 meters.

The ship's propulsion system includes two marine gas turbines and two shafts, with a combined brake horsepower of 70,000. It also features two auxiliary propulsion motors, each providing 5,000 horsepower. This allows the ship to reach speeds of over 22 knots.

The America-class has the capacity to carry landing crafts. It can either accommodate two Landing Craft Air Cushions or one Landing Craft Utility. The ship can house 65 officers, 994 enlisted personnel, and 1,687 Marines. If needed, it can also accommodate an additional 184 personnel.

The ship utilizes the AN/SPQ-9B for fire control and the AN/SPY-6(V)2 EASR for air search radar. It is equipped with the AN/SLQ-32B(V)2 for electronic warfare and two Mk53 Nulka decoy launchers.

The armament includes two Rolling Airframe Missile launchers, two Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile launchers, two 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts, and seven twin .50 BMG machine guns.