Katherine Sobien, left, and Jennifer Surwilo, civilians embarked on board future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), pose for a photo with Patriot Pete, the ship's mascot, during a steel beach picnic on the flight deck. America is currently on its maiden transit, "America Visits the Americas," en route to its home port of San Diego. 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 MV-22 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 3rd Class Huey D. Younger Jr./Released)