SAN DIEGO – Amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA7) is nearing the end of their Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) period and got underway for the first time in more than a year on Mar. 6.
Tripoli returned to its homeport of San Diego in December 2022 after a successful maiden deployment and shifted into an SRA in March 2023.
Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship home ported in San Diego. The ship is currently underway conducting routine operations in U.S. 3rd Fleet.
“This ship was built to be underway and I’m really proud of the crew for keeping us on track to complete this SRA on time,” said Capt. Gary Harrington, Tripoli’s commanding officer. “Tripoli is the first large-deck amphibious assault carrier to come out of a major maintenance period on time in 21 years and that speaks to the hard work and dedication of this crew.”
During the SRA period, Tripoli experienced a lot of crew turnover. Many of the experienced sailors who were present for deployment transferred or were replaced with new sailors — some whom have never been underway.
“I am really excited to go underway for the first time,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Aircraft Handling) Airman Leslie Cortez. “It is a little nerve-wracking because I have no idea what to expect.”
Being assigned to a ship for sea duty and going underway for the first time can be a daunting experience for sailors, like Cortez.
Experienced sailors easily make the transition from the in-port routine – where they work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, the underway routine is more demanding. Out to sea, sailors can have totally different work schedules. Most sailors work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. while others work nights or swing shifts.
“The long hours make being underway hard because it is physically exhausting, but it’s important to have a routine,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Apiffany Caldwell. “I like to hit the gym and maybe study on the mess decks with my friends before turning in for the night. I also made my rack my safe space; I put up some pictures of my family and brought my favorite pillow.”
Tripoli has three gyms as well as a chapel, library and recreational room with a projector and computers. These amenities are available to the entire crew during designated times so sailors have a place to go and decompress.
DVIDS courtesy story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Maci Sternod; edited for brevity.
