USS Tripoli: A Legacy of Service

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Olivia Rucker

31 October 2024 USS Tripoli: A Legacy of Service
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Olivia Rucker
USS Tripoli Public Affairs.

SAN DIEGO – On August 6, 1966, Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LPH 10) was commissioned for service in the United States Navy. Years later in 1981, Lt. Wayne Hess checked aboard Tripoli (LPH 10), where he would serve for three years.

On July 15, 2020, America-class amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) was commissioned for service and in 2021, Wayne’s son, Lt. j.g. Derek Hess checked aboard Tripoli (LHA 7) where he continues to serve three years later.

Tripoli (LHA 7) hosted a “Tiger Cruise” on October 16, 2024,where Sailors had the opportunity to share “ship life” with family and friends. Derek coordinated the event which took place over the course of a two-day underway, allowing the “Tigers” to spend a night aboard the vessel.

Wayne was among the “Tigers” who boarded Tripoli (LHA 7), and father and son were able to share a very unique experience as two generations of (Tripoli) Sailors got underway together.

“He’s been on board for less than 24 hours and we’ve already explored more than half the ship,” Derek stated. “He’s loving it. I’m loving it. I’m glad to see him happy. It’s been fun.”

Wayne wasted no time seeing all the different parts of the new Tripoli, noting how things changed and improved.

“It’s bigger, it’s newer, it’s much nicer, and the atmosphere and the comradery are just incredible,” said Wayne comparing LPH 10 to LHA 7. “It’s impressive seeing how things have evolved since my time.”

Both Wayne and Derek Hess were in Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps in college, and commissioned in the Navy following graduation. During his ship selection, Derek selected Pre-Commissioning Unit Tripoli as his first command completely unaware of his father’s
prior service on LPH 10.

“His mother called me and told me ‘Derek is going to the Tripoli!’ and I told her that’s impossible! Tripoli was scrapped years ago,” Wayne recalled. “I had no idea they had made a new one.”

With 54 years separating the two ships, a lot of things have changed and the father and son duo swapped many stories comparing the two. Wayne remembered the intense rocking and movement he experienced while on LPH 10, so he was prepared for the worst when warned about heavy rolls and large waves during the “Tiger Cruise.”

“I used to have to take my clothes, bundle them up, and wedge them in my rack so I wouldn’t roll around in my sleep,” Wayne said, “This ship [LHA 7] doesn’t even move, I can barely feel the waves!”

Derek pointed out some key differences between his father’s experiences and his own based off stories his father told him.

“I remember being a brand-new Ensign and listening to my dad using all the Navy language I didn’t understand yet. He was trying to tell me what things would be like,” said Derek. “When I finally started learning and understanding, I realized he’s about 40 years out of date!”

The systems and equipment might be different now, but that does not mean the mission has changed. Both LPH 10 and LHA 7’s primary role is transporting U.S. Marines and their aviation equipment wherever needed. Sailors aboard LHA 7 stand the same watches and fulfill the same duties as those who came before them, and that is no more evident than with Derek and Wayne.

“We’re walking around and everyone is seeing us as father and son, but we’re also both Tripoli Sailors,” Derek stated. “We’re both about the same rank, we’re both surface warfare officers, we’re still doing all of the same things. I’m going up and standing the same watches he stood, the only differences now is the technology. It’s been great getting to show him what things are like now, and have him relive his Navy days.”

Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault carrier homeported in San Diego.

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