160330-N-FR671-098 SAN DIEGO (March 30, 2016) Capt. Michael W. Baze, commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), speaks to U.S. Rep. Kay Granger of Texas, about the aircraft capabilities of the flight deck as she tours America. As vice-chair of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Granger helps to ensure funding for projects critical to national defense are fully funded such as the F-35 fighter and MV-22 Osprey aircraft. America is an aviation centric amphibious assault ship that supports Marine aviation requirements, from small-scale contingency operations of an expeditionary strike group, to forcible entry missions in major theaters of war. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan A. Colon/Released)