Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Courtney Lavallee

Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Courtney Lavallee positions parts before welding a hinge in the metalsmith shop for a galley refrigerator. The metalsmith shop makes various parts and materials for main spaces, engine rooms and compartments around the ship. 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 Jonathan A. Colon/Released)