Amphibious assault ship USS America's (LHA6) supply department celebrated the grand reopening of the ship's store, March 10.

The store was closed for a week to implement improvements as part of Navy Exchange Command's (NEXCOM) vision for ship stores around the fleet during America's post-shakedown availability (PSA).

"NEXCOM started this program to make all the ships' stores on the water front reflect the Navy Exchange (NEX) and to bring the NEX experience and branding to the ship's store," said Ensign Brittany Baker, ship's store officer aboard America.

The goal of the remodel is to improve merchandising, increase the store's profits that go directly back to the Sailor in the form of Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) benefits and give the ship's store a more familiar look to Sailors at sea.

"They came up with this branding idea to help reflect a more professional Navy to increase profits and sales to contribute more to MWR and the crew," said Baker. "This will benefit our Sailors by increasing sales. That means we can contribute more money to MWR, which ultimately goes back to the crew, so we can reduce prices for tickets, holiday parties and tours."

The week prior to the reopening, Sailors assigned to the ship's supply department upgraded the space with new signs and decals, and they reorganized all of the merchandise within the store.

"I went [to the store] opening day," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Franks, assigned to America. "Compared to a NEX, it's very similar. The store was laid out very differently than before. All the like items were grouped together and organized in a way that made shopping a much better experience."

Baker said she is thankful for the professional assistance provided by NEXCOM, and more specifically thankful for the hard work and dedication of her Sailors.

"I couldn't have done this without my Sailors," added Baker. "They are the backbone of this entire operation and without their hard work, dedication and professionalism, this would not have been possible."

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/.