PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 25, 2015) -- Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Franses Alde, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), reads a speech describing Adm. Michelle Howard, vice chief of naval operations, during a black history month ceremony. America is currently conducting maritime training operations off the coast of California. The ship is the first of its class and is optimized for Marine Corps aviation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan A. Colon/ Released)