Lt. Mark Gackowski, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), tests a sound-powered telephone during a general quarters drill. The crew practices various drills to improve proficiency, ensuring they are ready for any emergency. America is the first ship of its class and the fourth to bear the name. The ship replaces the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ship as the next generation “big-deck” amphibious assault ship and is optimized for aviation and capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Demetrius Kennon/Released)