Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Keantae Terrell,

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Keantae Terrell, assigned to the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), performs a mechanical advantage control hold (MACH) takedown during an oleoresin capsicum (OC) level one training course in the ship’s hangar bay. In order to receive the level one certification, Sailors must be contaminated with OC and then demonstrate a series of force protection skills, such as baton strikes, MACH and take downs, and securing a subject. America is currently traveling through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th 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)