The newest America-class amphibious assault warship was launched by Ingalls Shipbuilding 13 weeks ahead of schedule, according a report from Huntington Ingalls Industries.



The Tripoli is the second warship Ingalls built, the first was delivered to the Navy in 2014 and named the America. And another vessel, the Bougainville, is slated to begin construction in late 2018.



Brian Cuccias, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, told WLOX that Ingalls has been the go-to company for the construction of amphibious, large-deck vessels since the early 1970s. "Our vast knowledge and experience in the design and construction of these great ships is paying dividends — not only for the American taxpayer, but also for the Navy-Marine Corps team and the sailors and Marines who will be operating these important warships in defense of our country."



These LHA vessels are used to transport Marine expeditionary units and their equipment. They weigh over 44,000 tons, stand 20 stories tall and are almost three football fields long.

