USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is the second America-class amphibious assault ship built for the United States Navy. Her keel was laid down on 22 June 2014 at Huntington Ingalls Industries, Pascagoula, Mississippi. Tripoli is the third U.S. Navy ship named for the Battle of Derne in 1805. It was the decisive victory of a mercenary army led by a detachment of United States Marines and soldiers against the forces of Tripoli during the First Barbary War. It was the first recorded land battle of the United States fought overseas. The design is based on USS Makin Island, itself an improved version of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Approximately 45% of the Flight 0 design is based on LHD-8, with the well deck removed to allow more room for aircraft and aviation fuel. The removal of the well deck for landing craft allows for an extended hangar deck with two significantly wider high bay areas, each fitted with an overhead crane for aircraft maintenance. The ship will also be the first LHA replacement ship to deliver fully ready to integrate the entire future air combat element of the United States Marine Corps to include the F-35B Lightning II.
