Marines assigned to Combat Cargo Department aboard future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) prepare to attach cargo to MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, during a vertical replenishment (VERTREP) qualification evolution, on the flight deck. America is currently traveling through the U.S. 3rd 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 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 2nd Class Ryan Riley/Released)