Wasp-class

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Revision as of 18:56, 11 April 2009 by imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: '''Wasp-class''' amphibious assault ships are the largest amphibious warfare vessels in the U.S. Navy. ==Characteristics== *Builder: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operatio...)
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Wasp-class amphibious assault ships are the largest amphibious warfare vessels in the U.S. Navy.

Characteristics

  • Builder: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, MS.
  • Date Deployed: July 29, 1989 (USS Wasp)

Propulsion: (LHDs 1–7) two boilers, two geared steam turbines, two shafts, 70,000 total shaft horsepower; (LHD 8) two gas turbines, two shafts; 70,000 total shaft horsepower, two 5,000 horsepower auxiliary *propulsion motors.

  • Length: 844 feet (253.2 meters).
  • Beam: 106 feet (31.8 meters).
  • Displacement: LHDs 1-4: 40,650 tons full load (41,302.3 metric tons)
    • LHDs 5-7: 40,358 tons full load (41,005.6 metric tons)
    • LHD 8: 41,772 tons full load (42,442.3 metric tons).
  • Speed: 20+ knots (23.5+ miles per hour).
  • Crew: Ships Company: 104 officers, 1,004 enlisted
    • LHD 8: 65 officers, 994 enlisted
    • Marine Detachment: 1,687 troops (plus 184 surge).
  • Armament
    • Two RAM launchers
    • two NATO Sea Sparrow launchers
    • three 20mm Phalanx CIWS mounts (two on LHD 5-8)
    • four .50 cal. machine guns
    • four 25 mm Mk 38 machine guns (LHD 5-8 have three 25 mm Mk 38 machine guns).
  • Aircraft
    • 12 CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters
    • 4 CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters
    • 6 AV-8B Harrier attack aircraft
    • 3 UH-1N Huey helicopters
    • 4 AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters
    • planned capability to embark MV-22 Osprey VTOL tilt-rotors.

Ships in class

  • USS Wasp (LHD 1), Norfolk, VA
  • USS Essex (LHD 2), Sasebo, Japan
  • USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Norfolk, VA
  • USS Boxer (LHD 4), San Diego, CA
  • USS Bataan (LHD 5), Norfolk, VA
  • USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), San Diego, CA
  • USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), Norfolk, VA
  • PCU Makin Island (LHD 8) - under construction