USS America (LHA-6) is set to arrive in San Diego this week after six years as the forward-deployed big-deck amphibious ship in Japan. America is now set to return to San Diego, ahead of a maintenance period following the forward deployment. America sailed with the Japan-based ships USS San Diego (LPD-22) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD-47) on its last patrol before heading to California. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked on the America Amphibious Ready Group in late January. USS Tripoli (LHA-7) will replace America as the forward-deployed big-deck amphibious warship in Japan.