USS America (LHA 6)

USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations

250807-N-BW367-3061 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 7, 2025) Two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey assigned to Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268 takeoff from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 7. USS America (LHA 6) is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Douglass)

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Photo By: Seaman Nicholas Douglass

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0022

NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN – Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) concluded joint aviation training with the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, boosting interoperability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region. On Sept. 7 and 11, 2025, off the coast of Pearl Harbor, America served as a floating airfield for rotary-wing aircraft from the Army's 25th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) and Marine Corps’ Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 268.

USS America Visits Pearl Harbor After Six Years Forward-Deployed in Indo-Pacific

250908-N-TW227-1091 JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (Sept. 8, 2025) Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) observe the USS Arizona memorial as the ship arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Sept. 8. America is operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. An integral part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s role across the full spectrum of military operations. U.S. 3rd Fleet works together with allies and partners to advance freedom of navigation and overflight, the rule of law and other principles that underpin security for the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0023

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — The America-class amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled port visit, marking its return to the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations after six years of forward-deployed operations in the Indo-Pacific, Sept. 8, 2025.

USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Oceanic Data Collection

250806-N-BW367-1040 PHILIPPINE SEA (Aug. 6, 2025) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), and U.S. Marines as with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepare to deploy an oceanographic data collection device to collect information for developing short and long-term weather forecasts, Aug. 5. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Douglass)

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Photo By: Seaman Nicholas Douglass

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0024

In a significant stride toward enhancing environmental awareness and maritime readiness, the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) has deployed four advanced oceanographic and atmospheric data collection devices in support of ongoing naval and atmospheric research. These tools are expected to play a vital role in developing both short-term and long-term weather forecasts, ultimately improving the U.S. Navy’s ability to issue timely warnings and implement protective measures across its global operations. 

USS America (LHA 6) and 31st MEU Conduct COMREL in Brisbane

250711-N-BW367-1256 BRISBANE, Australia (July 11, 2025) Cmdr. Craig Barrett, chaplain assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) presents a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary tour guide with a certificate and command ball cap at the conclusion of a community relations event with Sailors from America and U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in Brisbane, Australia, July 11. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas Douglass)

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Photo By: Seaman Nicholas Douglass

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0025

Sailors from the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) participated in a unique community outreach event at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary near Brisbane, Australia, on July 11, 2025. This unique collaboration provided U.S. service members with a hands-on opportunity to connect with wildlife conservation efforts, learning about the country’s biodiversity while planting saplings throughout the world’s largest koala sanctuary.

USS AMERICA (LHA 6) Arrives in Brisbane

250709-N-TW227-1037 BRISBANE, Australia (July 9, 2025) The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) pulls into Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit July 9. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0026

BRISBANE, Australia – The amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and embarked U.S. Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Brisbane, Australia, for a scheduled port visit July 9 while conducting routine operations in U.S. 7th Fleet.

VMFA-242 82nd Birthday Flyover aboard USS America

250701-N-TW227-1130 CORAL SEA (July 1, 2025) Three U.S. Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II aircraft assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fly by the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Coral Sea, July 1. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0028

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA 242) also known as the “Bats”, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), have a long-standing history, ranging from taking part in the Battle of Iwo Jima, providing support in Operation Iraqi Freedom, to more recently winning the Robert M. Hanson award for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year. July 1, 2025, they celebrated the 82nd birthday of the squadron with a flyover of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), commemorating the past and looking forward for what is to come in the future of the squadron.

Flight Operations aboard USS America (LHA 6)

250701-N-WJ234-1952 CORAL SEA (July 1, 2025) An MH-60S Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 25 prepares to land on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Coral Sea, July 1. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sam McNeely)

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Photo By: Seaman Sam McNeely

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0027

Embarked aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO FIVE (HSC-25) Detachment 6 trains hard to carry out one of the Navy’s most demanding and essential missions: Search and Rescue (SAR). Whether someone is lost at sea, injured on land, or caught in a life-threatening situation, HSC-25 is trained and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.

USS America (LHA 6) Arrives in Sydney, Australia

250614-N-TW227-1100 SYDNEY (June 14, 2025) Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) and U.S. Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) man the rails on America on the ship’s flight deck in Sydney, June 14. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth

VIRIN: 250915-N-N0831-0029

Amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the flagship of the America Strike Group, arrived in Sydney, today, June 14, for a scheduled port visit. The ship carries embarked Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and is currently conducting routine operations in the South Pacific.

USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Flight Operations

250527-N-TW227-1123 PHILIPPINE SEA (May 27, 2025) Marines assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) depart an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) while conducting flight operations in the Philippine Sea, May 27. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Melseth)

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Photo By: Seaman Kenneth Melseth

VIRIN: 250702-N-N0831-0002

SOLOMON SEA (June 9, 2025) Elements of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are conducting integrated operations in the Solomon Sea, June 9.

USS America Earns Fifth Consecutive Battle Effectiveness Award

250414-N-TW227-1007 SASEBO, Japan (April 14, 2025) Capt. Ethan M. Rule, commanding officer of USS America (LHA 6), right, poses for a photo alongside Capt. Patrick German, Commodore Amphibious Squadron 11 (CPR 11), left, with the battle efficiency award for the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), in the ship’s hangar bay, April 14. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Melseth)

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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Melset

VIRIN: 250604-N-N0831-0001

SASEBO, Japan – Sailors and Marines assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) received the 2024 Battle Effectiveness Award, for fiscal year 2024, marking the fifth consecutive year the ship has earned this prestigious recognition.

USS America (LHA 6) Hosts Tiger Cruise

250305-N-QR506-1050 PHILIPPINE SEA (March 5, 2025) Friends and family of Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) participate in a damage control demonstration for friends and family of the America during a tiger cruise in the Philippine Sea, March 5. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jeadan Andre)

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Photo By: Seaman Jeadan Andre

VIRIN: 250409-N-N0831-0001

When the USS America sets sail, nations take note. 44,971 tons of U.S. sovereign territory carving a path through the Philippine Sea is hard to ignore but lost in this the picture is the story of the Sailors who man the mighty vessel.

USS America (LHA 6) Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

250109-N-TW227-1199 SASEBO, Japan (Jan. 9, 2025) Sideboys aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) render honors to Capt. Ethan M. Rule, commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), during his change of command ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay, Jan. 9. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Melseth)

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Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kenneth Melseth

VIRIN: 250604-N-N0831-0003

SASEBO, Japan – Capt. Ethan Rule relieved Capt. Manny “K9” Pardo as commanding officer of the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, USS America (LHA 6), in a change of command ceremony while moored in Sasebo, Japan, Jan. 9, 2025.

USS America (LHA 6) Awarded the ‘Battle E’ for Third Consecutive Year

240517-N-QR506-1124 SASEBO, Japan (May 17, 2024) – Capt. Patrick German (right), Commodore of Amphibious Squadron 11 and the America Amphibious Ready Group, presents the 2023 Battle Effectiveness Award to Capt. Manuel Pardo (left), commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship, USS America (LHA 6), during an all-hands call in the ship’s hangar bay, May 17, 2024. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jeadan Andre)

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Photo By: Seaman Apprentice Jeadan Andre

VIRIN: 240521-N-N0831-0011

SASEBO, Japan – The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America received the 2023 Battle Effectiveness Award, May 17.

USS America Holds Change of Command

[230714-N-FI026-1277]BRISBANE, Australia (July 14, 2023) Capt. Kelly Fletcher, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, presiding officer for the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier USS America (LHA 6) change of command ceremony, departs the change of command on the ship’s flight deck during a scheduled port visit to Brisbane, Australia, July 14, 2023. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Bakerian)

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Photo By: Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Bakerian

VIRIN: 230718-N-N0831-0001

Captain Manny Pardo relieved Capt. Shockey Snyder as commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault carrier, USS America (LHA 6), in a ceremony aboard the ship, while moored in Brisbane, Australia, July 14.

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SASEBO, Japan (April 7, 2022) Capt. Ken Ward, sixth commanding officer of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), departs the change-of-command on the ship's flight deck. America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Bakerian)

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Photo By: Seaman Matthew Bakerian

VIRIN: 220407-N-FI026-1225

SASEBO, Japan – Capt. Ken Ward, sixth commanding officer of the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship, USS America (LHA 6), turned over command to Capt. Shockey Snyder in a ceremony aboard America, April 7.