It is one thing to win the award, and it is a different thing to maintain that award. Such consistency in top-level performance is as important as the performance itself.

One of the U.S. Navy’s most promising warships received rare recognition for its battle-readiness and consistency.  

The USS America is a baby aircraft carrier designed to support Marine Corps amphibious operations.  

The USS America Gets a Battle “E” Commendation  

The U.S. Navy recently announced that it had awarded the USS America a Battle “E” award for 2024. The Navy awards the Battle “E” commendation to warships and support vessels that excel in maritime warfare, engineering, survivability, command and control, safety, and logistics.

What makes the award even more special is the fact that the amphibious assault ship has won it five times in a row. 

“This fifth consecutive Battle “E” isn’t just an award; it’s a testament to the exceptional dedication and warfighting readiness of every Sailor and Marine aboard. I am exceedingly proud of this crew,” Navy Captain Patrick German, the commodore of Amphibious Squadron Eleven, said. “Their dedication, resilience, and pride create a culture of unwavering commitment, ensuring this ship remains a potent force prepared for any challenge.” 

The fact that the USS America has received five commendations in a row suggests top levels of performance and professionalism. It is one thing to win the award, and it is a different thing to maintain that award. Such consistency in top-level performance is as important as the top-level performance itself.

“Earning the Battle “E” for five consecutive years demonstrates the exceptional teamwork and unwavering dedication of the entire USS America team,” Navy Captain Rule, the commanding officer of the USS America, added.  

During 2024, the USS America completed several operations in the Indo-Pacific region and worked closely with other Navy assets and allied countries.  

“From the engine room to the flight deck, and everywhere in between, every Sailor and Marine plays a vital role in our mission success, and this award recognizes their collective effort,” Rule said. “Keeping the main thing the main thing is paramount, and this crew’s dedication to warfighting readiness makes me immensely proud.” 

About the U.S. Navy’s Light Aircraft Carriers  

The Navy has long experimented with the concept of light aircraft carriers. Although the idea is not a novel one—the Navy employed light aircraft carriers during World War Two—the concept is returning due to two connected factors. First, regular aircraft carriers are quite expensive. Second, near-peer adversaries have developed sophisticated anti-ship technology that increases the risk to U.S. aircraft carriers, keeping them away from combat zones and limiting their effectiveness.

As a solution, the Navy is testing the “lightning aircraft carrier” concept that pairs amphibious landing ships with the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet. The “B” version of the stealth aircraft is a Short Take-off, Vertical Landing (STOVL) jet that can take off and land like a helicopter but also fly like a fighter jet.

Amphibious landing ships have much smaller decks than aircraft carriers. However, pairing the warships with STOVL aircraft like the F-35B means that they can carry a substantial number of aircraft—typically more than 20—effectively. Although this loadout is substantially weaker than a supercarrier’s, which is typically composed of almost 100 aircraft, there would be less risk for the Navy if one of the smaller carriers were to be lost.

About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou  

Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP. 

Image: Wikimedia Commons. 

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