The American Navy’s America-class amphibious assault ship LHA-9 was named “Fallujah”. USA-based Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is scheduled to begin construction of the ship this month.

As it is known, during the Iraq War, the first and second Battles of Fallujah took place in the city of Al Anbar, where Sunni Muslims lived. The USA announced that it will name its new amphibious assault ship “Fallujah” in memory of these battles.

HII signed a contract worth $2.4 billion last October to build the fourth ship. The contract signed with HII allows options that will increase its cumulative value to $3.2 billion.  The company is currently building the LHA-8, named Bougainville, and is expected to be delivered in 2024. The Bougainville LHA-8 is equipped to house the F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

USA Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the name of the ship in a statement last Tuesday.  Del Toro said in a statement: “The future America-class amphibious ship, the USS Fallujah, will be designated LHA-9. The future USS Fallujah will commemorate the first and second battles of Fallujah, led by the United States during the Iraq War. It follows the tradition of naming early US sailing ships or ex-aircraft carriers from WWII. It is an honor for me and our nation to commemorate the Marines, soldiers, and coalition forces who fought heroically and sacrificed their lives during both battles in Fallujah.” Del Toro continued: “This name deserves to be in the pantheon of the Marines’ iconic battles, and the LHA’s unique abilities will remind everyone around the world of the courage and dedication to freedom displayed by those who have fought in these wars.”

Kari Wilkinson, HII Head of Shipbuilding, said in October: “The Ingalls shipbuilders are ready to build the Navy’s newest LHA. We recognize how important this work is and consider it an honor to be given the opportunity to deliver this capability to the fleet. The Navy and we all value our partnership with our critical supplier partners.”