151117-N-UY393-068 SAN DIEGO (Nov. 17, 2015) Rear Adm. David Gale, program executive officer for ships, discusses the progress of the post-shakedown availability with Tom Rivers and Cmdr. Michael Smith of the Amphibious Warfare Program Office (PMS-377), on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHD 6). Post-shakedown availability is a maintenance period in which the ship’s crew and assigned contractors make improvements to the ship’s design. America’s post-shakedown availability will pave the way for future America-class amphibious assault ships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Berksteiner/Released)