USS Wasp (LHD-1)

The USS Wasp (LHD-1) is a United States Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ship. It is the lead ship of its class, and one of the largest amphibious warfare ships in the world. Its primary mission is to land and support United States Marine Corps landing forces on hostile shores via amphibious assault.

The Wasp is capable of operating a variety of aircraft, including helicopters like the CH-46 Sea Knight, CH-53 Sea Stallion, CH-53E Super Stallion, AH-1W Super Cobra, UH-1N Iroquois, UH-1Y Venom, and SH-60 Seahawk, as well as fixed-wing aircraft like the AV-8B Harrier and the F-35B Lightning II. This flexibility allows the Wasp to serve as a light aircraft carrier when needed, particularly for sea control and close air support missions.

The ship is armed with a variety of defensive weapons systems, including NATO Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile launchers, Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) mounts, and various machine guns. These systems are designed to protect the ship from aerial and surface threats.

In addition to its air power, the Wasp carries landing craft, such as Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft and Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels, which are used to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment ashore. The ship also has a well deck that can be flooded to allow these landing craft to enter and exit.

The USS Wasp (LHD-1) has participated in numerous operations and exercises throughout its service history, including deployments to the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. It represents a key component of the United States' amphibious warfare capabilities and power projection strategy. The ship is named in honor of previous US Navy vessels bearing the name "Wasp," known for their historical service and contributions.