Newest Navy Ship To Be Named, USS Time Limited, Scope Limited Military Action

Actually, it will be the USS Tripoli.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today the selection of USS Tripoli as the name for the Navy’s next large-deck amphibious assault ship (LHA 7).

The USS Tripoli will be the third ship to bear the name Tripoli. The name commemorates the capture of Derna in 1805 by a small force of U.S. Marines and approximately 370 soldiers from 11 other nationalities. The battle, later memorialized in the Marines’ Hymn with the line “to the shores of Tripoli”, brought about a successful conclusion to the combined operations of the First Barbary War. The first USS Tripoli, an escort carrier, fought in the battle of the Atlantic during World War II. The second, an amphibious assault ship, earned nine battle stars, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and a Navy Unit Commendation for service in Vietnam.

“USS Tripoli and the proud heritage the name represents will be an inspiration for generations of sailors and Marines who serve aboard and those who come in contact with her, reminding all the freedoms our Navy protects are as vital today as they were centuries ago,” Mabus said.

All true but after the USNS Cesar Chavez, The USS John Murtha and The USS Gabriele Giffords, color me....skeptical that there's not a little bit of political ball spiking going on here.

H/t to @USS_Fallujah, a Twitter feed dedicated to getting the Navy to name a ship after one of the US Marine Corps greatest battles.

A great cause but it's not going to happen with Obama in the White House.

posted by DrewM. at 07:24 PM

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