The Bougainville (LHA 8) is the third America-class amphibious assault ship and the second U.S. Navy ship named after Bougainville island in the Solomon islands archipelago, Papua New Guinea, the location of a strategic World War II battle.

March 14, 2019 The keel authentication ceremony for the future USS Bougainville was held at Huntington Ingalls Industries, Ingalls Operations shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.

September 30, 2023 The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Bougainville was launched from a floating dry-dock and moored at Ingalls West Bank Yard East Wharf.

December 2, PCU Bougainville was christened during a 9 a.m. CST ceremony at Ingalls Operations shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Mrs. Ellyn Dunford, the wife of retired Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the Marine Corps, served as sponsor of the ship. Capt. Harry L. Marsh is the prospective commanding officer.

February 20, 2026 Capt. Jimmie J. Jensen, III relieved Capt. Harry L. Marsh as CO of the PCU Bougainville during a change-of-command ceremony on Naval Station Norfolk.