Colombian dignitaries, military officials and distinguished guests joined Sailors and Marines aboard future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during a reception held in the hangar bay shortly after the ship anchored off the coast of Colombia. America is currently traveling through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility on her maiden transit, “America Visits the Americas.” America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation “big-deck” amphibious assault ship, America is optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. The ship is scheduled to be ceremoniously commissioned Oct. 11 in San Francisco. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan Riley/Released)