Iwo Jima-class (LPH-2)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Aircraft carrier |
| Subtype | Assault helicopter carrier |
| Manufacturer | Puget Sound Naval Shipyard |
| Year commissioned | 1961 |
| Units | LPH-2 IWO JIMA, LPH-3 OKINAWA, LPH-7 GUADALCANAL, LPH-9 GUAM, LPH-10 USS TRIPOLI, LPH-11 NEW ORLEANS, LPH-12 INCHON |
Description
The USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) was a pioneering amphibious assault ship of the U.S. Navy, specifically designed as a helicopter carrier from the outset. Named after the Battle of Iwo Jima, she was laid down by Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in 1959, launched in 1960, and commissioned in 1961. Iwo Jima's main mission was to carry helicopters and USMC elements, principally the Aviation Combat Element, to perform operations in an amphibious assault context, without the use of a well deck for landing craft.
Early in her operational history, after completing shakedown training, Iwo Jima was actively engaged during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, where she swiftly transported Marines in readiness for potential actions. Subsequently, she joined the 7th Fleet and was present in the waters of Vietnam, providing support during the brewing conflict there. In 1963, she continued amphibious exercises and training, preparing for Western Pacific deployments.
Iwo Jima's role expanded significantly with the escalation of the Vietnam War. In 1965, she played a critical role in Operation Starlite and other amphibious operations, providing invaluable support to ground troops. Her versatility allowed her to serve as a floating logistics and support center, even taking part in the difficult salvage efforts of the USS Frank Knox during a typhoon.
Recognized for her services, she was awarded numerous military decorations, including the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Iwo Jima’s operational history highlighted her importance as a rapid response vessel for emergency situations.
Iwo Jima was not limited to warfare; she took on a significant role in safe astronaut recovery as the flagship of Task Force 130 during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. Additionally, the ship served in the Multinational Peacekeeping Force, operating off the coast of Lebanon in 1983. Her tenure included the aftermath of the tragic attack on the Marines' barracks that resulted in significant U.S. casualties.
The ship's service was not without mishaps. In 1989, Iwo Jima was struck by friendly fire from the USS El Paso during a live fire exercise, inflicting casualties. A more severe mishap occurred in 1990, attributed to improper maintenance and inspection, when a catastrophic boiler accident in the Persian Gulf resulted in the death of ten crewmen.
Near the end of her operational career, during the tension of the Falklands War in 1982, the Reagan Administration confidentially offered the use of Iwo Jima to the Royal Navy should their carriers be incapacitated. However, this contingency plan was ultimately not activated. After a storied career, she was decommissioned in 1993 and eventually scrapped in 1995 due to the lack of funding for her maintenance.
Technical specifications
| Iwo Jima | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 18474 tons |
| Range | 11000 km |
| Crew | 667 members |
| Width | 26.0 m (85.3 ft) |
| Length | 180.0 m (590.6 ft) |
| Air Park | 25 helicopters (AH-1 SuperCobra, CH-46 Sea Knight, CH-53 Sea Stallion, UH-1 Huey) |
| Propulsion | 2 steam turbines with a power of 22,000 hp each - 2 propellers |
| Armament | 2 76 mm guns + 8 cells for Sea Sparrow + 2 Phalanx CIWS 20 mm |
| Maximum speed | 22 knots |