Definition The USS Peleliu (LHA-5) was a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship of the United States Navy, designed to land and support United States Marine Corps expeditionary forces ashore. It served as a versatile platform capable of transporting troops, equipment, and a significant air combat element.
Overview Commissioned in 1980, the USS Peleliu was the fifth and final ship of the Tarawa class. Homeported in Long Beach, California, and later San Diego, California, the ship spent its entire career in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout its 34 years of service, USS Peleliu participated in numerous deployments across the Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Persian Gulf, supporting a wide range of operations including combat missions during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts. Known for its adaptability, the ship embarked various types of aircraft, including helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jets, and carried landing craft for amphibious operations. After a distinguished career, the USS Peleliu was decommissioned on March 31, 2015, and was later held in reserve before being towed for dismantling in 2021.
Etymology/Origin The USS Peleliu was named in honor of the Battle of Peleliu, a pivotal battle fought during World War II in the Pacific theater. The battle took place from September to November 1944 on the island of Peleliu, then part of the Palau Islands. U.S. Marines and Army forces engaged entrenched Japanese defenders in a costly and protracted struggle for control of a strategically important airfield. The battle is remembered as one of the fiercest and most devastating conflicts for the U.S. Marine Corps during the war.
Characteristics As a Tarawa-class Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ship, the USS Peleliu was designed for multi-mission capability. It had a full load displacement of approximately 39,400 long tons, a length of 820 feet (250 m), and a beam of 106 feet (32 m). Its propulsion system consisted of two steam turbines driving two shafts, capable of speeds up to 24 knots (44 km/h). The ship's complement included a crew of about 1,000 sailors and could embark a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) of approximately 1,900 Marines. Peleliu's flight deck could accommodate various aircraft, including CH-46 Sea Knights, CH-53 Super Stallions, AH-1W SuperCobras, UH-1N Hueys, and AV-8B Harriers, and later MV-22 Ospreys. Below deck, it featured a well deck for launching and recovering landing craft, such as LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion) and LCUs (Landing Craft Utility), making it a formidable platform for projecting power from sea to shore. Armament typically included Phalanx CIWS (Close-in Weapon System) and NATO Sea Sparrow missile launchers for self-defense.
Related Topics
- Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship: The class of ships to which USS Peleliu belonged, which included USS Tarawa (LHA-1), USS Saipan (LHA-2), USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3), and USS Nassau (LHA-4).
- Amphibious warfare: The type of military operation central to the mission of ships like the USS Peleliu, involving attacks launched from the sea by naval and landing forces.
- Battle of Peleliu: The World War II battle after which the ship was named, highlighting the ship's connection to Marine Corps history.
- Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU): The standard Marine Corps force embarked on amphibious assault ships, providing a self-contained, air-ground task force.
- USS America (LHA-6): The lead ship of the America-class, which is the successor class to the Tarawa and Wasp-class amphibious assault ships, continuing the legacy of large-deck amphibious ships.