With the deactivation of USS Enterprise in December 2012, the U.S. fleet comprises 10 supercarriers. The House Armed Services Seapower subcommittee on 24 July 2007, recommended seven or maybe eight new carriers (one every four years). However, the debate has deepened over budgeting for the $12–14.5 billion (plus $12 billion for development and research) for the 100,000 ton Gerald R. Ford-class carrier (estimated service 2016) compared to the smaller $2 billion 45,000 ton America-class amphibious assault ships, which are able to deploy squadrons of F-35Bs. The first of this class, USS America, is now in active service with another, USS Tripoli, under construction and 9 more are planned. COUNT 5
QSN1 How many new carriers per year did the House Armed Services Seapower subcommittee recommend in 7/24/07? ANS1 one every four years QSN2 What class does the USS America belong to? ANS2 America-class amphibious assault ships QSN3 How many supercarriers did the U.S. fleet have following the deactivation of the USS Enterprise? ANS3 10 QSN4 What is the USS America capable of destroying squadrons of? ANS4 F-35Bs QSN5 Which other carrier joins the USS America in active service? ANS5 USS Tripoli