USS Sun Prairie 

      An Amphibious Assault Ship of it's own class, the USS Sun Prairie, a.k.a. the UFNS Sun Prairie, or just the S. P., the vessel is the first A.A.S. built from the ground up as such, and the first commissioned for the Federation Navy. Her official Home-port is Joint Base Founders United, New Caprica, but the ship is scheduled for Sea Trials at Lake Carriage Hills in the near future.

History

    Backstory

      Once the Federation was "back on track" as John B.G. at the time put it, the military was assessed so the government knew what it was dealing with. Unfortunately, during naval exercises during the days of the Republic of Burke Park, all of that state's carriers had been lost in accidents, because Burke Park as an independent nation did not have the repair capabilities that some other nations did at that time. Meanwhile in the Republic of New Archton, the former Federation Carriers USS Hornet and USS Stinger were left in dry dock, as New Archton also did not have the resources to repair them, same as Burke Park. 

      However, the two New Archton Carriers where still at least mildly operable, so the Federation put them back into commission. Unfortunately, during a naval exercise meant to asses the capabilities of the carriers, the Stopping Gear aboard USS Stinger failed, causing a collision between a T-65 Sparrow and three Firestars resulting in the destruction of all of those craft. The Federation immediately put the Stinger out of commission, and the UFN was left with a single, old carrier.

  John B.G. and Construction

      As John B.G. once again took office, he pointed out in his inaugural address that while the Air Force was once again flourishing, the Government needed to look at the whole of the military. Many in the State Council took the hint, and it was decided that a class of 2 new Super-carriers was to be built.

       While Burke Park Shipbuilding and Gateway Co. both fought for the contract, in the end the experience of BPS won the day, and the awards for the to-be Midway and Forrestal were awarded to them. Despite this setback, Gateway was determined to bring itself into the shipbuilding industry.

       Without approval from the State Council, Gateway Co. began gathering resources, and soon announced that it was constructing another aircraft carrier for the Federation. Meant as an Amphibious Assault Ship, they eventually were given permission to go ahead, and thus construction began on the Sun Prairie.

      Design inspiration was taken from the Wasp and Dokdo-class Helicopter Carriers of the US and ROK Navies, respectively. The vessel was given a straight deck, but it was offset for safety. In addition, the Sun Prairie was given 5 "Chopper Pads" for the squadron of 5 Sparrows normally housed on the Flight Deck.

Commissioning and Air Wing

     Once the ship was completed, it was commissioned into the United Federation Navy, and was assigned to Lake Carriage Hills patrol duty, although it can be re-routed to Service and Patrol Independence River, as it is a lighter type vessel and can squeeze into straights and channels that the Midway-class would deem impossible. However, the vessel is still an aircraft carrier, and is thus not always suited for the river when it becomes thinner.

     The Air Wing of the Sun Prairie was the largest ever put to a carrier, although the USS Midway has surpassed it. A total of 22 aircraft and 5 tanks are embarked on the flight deck, and the carrier may end up carrying more in an emergency situation.