One of the US Navy's most potent naval weapons has pulled into Hobart for a break, following time spent in the contested South China Sea.
The 257-metre-long USS Tripoli — with its crew of almost 1,200 personnel — has docked in Hobart and is scheduled to stay until Sunday.
It carries more than 30 aircraft, including a complement of F-35B Lightning strike fighters.
In a statement, the US Embassy said the America-class amphibious assault ship had been "operating in the US Seventh Fleet area of operations on its maiden deployment".
The statement said the ship was helping "to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region".
One of those on board is Lieutenant Julie Zezeski, who pilots a Sea Hawk helicopter.
Lt Zezeski joined the USS Tripoli in January.
She said the USS Tripoli's crew had been worded-up in Sydney as to what to expect in Hobart.
"We're really excited to come here and see … your side of the world, which is awesome.
"Everybody here on the crew is excited to visit such a cool town. So far, we've heard nothing but good things from people from Sydney."
Lt Zezeski has been a naval aviator for about two and a half years, after first deciding she wanted to be a pilot in high school.
"We have a lot of female pilots here in the US Navy, especially in the helicopter community. On board the Tripoli, we have two female pilots, which is actually pretty good," she said.
"Flying a helicopter is actually quite challenging. It takes a lot of coordination among the entire crew to ensure safe and fun mission completion.
"We get to face new challenges every day and every flight is just as thrilling as the last."
The USS Tripoli is due to leave Hobart on Sunday.
There will be no public tours of the ship planned.
The ABC understands that crew from the USS Tripoli will observe local COVID-19 protocols while on shore leave in Hobart.
It is unclear if there are any COVID-19 cases on board the ship.
