The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) is underway for sea trials, Dec. 15, following a year-long Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) availability maintenance period at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

The four-day sea trials marks Iwo Jima’s first time underway since December 2018. The ship spent its last days in port completing a two-day "fast cruise," Dec. 9 - 11, making final preparations for its transition to fully operational within Fourth Fleet’s area of operations.

"The crew has worked hard throughout the year to make Iwo Jima even better than when she entered this CNO Availability period," said Capt.  Darrell Canady, Iwo Jima’s commanding officer. "Their dedication and effort propelled us to this day. We are prepared to get this great ship ready for deployment and rejoin the fight to defend our great nation."

During sea trials, the Iwo Jima crew will undergo multiple training scenarios and qualification evolutions to include engineering maneuvers designed to evaluate the performance of the ship after the extensive maintenance period.

"We will be testing several new systems and upgrades," said Canady, "We will also start preparing the crew for upcoming training events as we build their proficiency to fight casualties and respond to certain situations we may encounter while underway."

Iwo Jima is the seventh Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, capable of carrying and delivering Sailors and Marines anywhere in the world for amphibious operations and humanitarian assistance.

“We are excited to rejoin the fleet and support our Navy and Marine Corps team when the Nation calls upon us,” said Canady. “Iwo Jima Sailors are trained to do the job and do it well, with coordination, effectiveness and proficiency; we will ensure we are ready when called upon. That’s the way Iwo Jima has and always will do business."

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