 U.S.S. Essex LHD 2 |
The "new" Essex is a Wasp class amphibious assault ships designed to land forces on hostile shores. These ships are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world. At first glance they may resemble aircraft carriers (Only a bit smaller that CV 9), but their primary role is to bring troops and supplies from ship to shore. |
| The amphibious assault ships carry some AV-8B Harrier II aircraft and a large air wing of helicopters
in support of their mission. They also possess a well deck for launching troop landing craft.Ordered in 1986, the U.S.S. Essex LHD 2 was laid down and
construction began in March of 1989 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on February 23, 1991 and commissioned on October 17, 1992.
After sea trials and dry dock during 1993, the U.S.S. Essex embarked on her maiden deployment in October 1994. Nicknamed "The Iron Gator," the Essex has spend most of her time in the Pacific and the Persian Gulf regions. In July of 2000 the ship inherited the distinctive role as the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed amphibious assault ship in Sasebo, Japan. Since her commissioning, Essex has received numerous awards for both combat excellence and for humanitarian effort.  Wasp Class LHDs and Tarawa Class LHAs (Notched Decks) |
 Well Deck at rear of the Essex  |
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