Ingalls to deliver LHA 6

PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- A ship that will one day carry F-35B and MV-22 aircraft will be delivered in a ceremony Thursday. Ingalls Shipbuilding will deliver the amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6) in a noon ceremony at the shipyard. America-class ships are 844 feet long and 106 feet wide and will have a crew of 1,059 and 1,687 troops. The ship will be capable of carrying a Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Marine helicopters, MV‐22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and F‐35B Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. The ship has an increased aviation capacity to include an enlarged hangar deck, realignment and expansion of the aviation maintenance facilities, a significant increase in available stowage for parts and support equipment, and increased aviation fuel capacity. (Source: Ingalls, 04/09/14)