Wasp-class (LHD-1)
American amphibious assault ship, 41,150 tons displacement, built by Ingalls Shipbuilding. Key figures: displacement 41,150 tons, length 257 m, top speed 22 knots, crew 1,070, unit cost $2.3B, built 8. In service with 1 navy — United States (7).
| Subtype | Amphibious assault ship |
| Displacement | 41150 tons |
| Crew | 1070 members |
| Width | 31.8 m (104.3 ft) |
| Length | 257.0 m (843.2 ft) |
| Propulsion | Two geared steam turbines, two shafts, 70,000 shp (52,000 kW); Two General Electric LM2500 geared gas turbines, two shafts (USS Makin Island) |
| Shaft power | 70,000 hp |
| Range | 9,500 nm at 18 knots |
| Maximum speed | 22 knots |
- 2 × RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile launchers
- 2 × RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missile launchers
- 3 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS systems
- 4 × 25 mm Mk 38 Machine Gun Systems
- 4 × .50 BMG machine guns
- 6 AV-8B Harrier II attack aircraft
- 6 F-35B Lightning II stealth strike-fighters
- 4 AH-1W/Z Super Cobra/Viper attack helicopter
- 12 MV-22B Osprey assault support tiltrotor
- 4 CH-53E Super Stallion heavy-lift helicopters
- 3–4 UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters
- 6 SH-60F/HH-60H ASW helicopters
Description
The Wasp class is a series of landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships operated by the United States Navy. Developed as a successor to the Tarawa class, the design was modified to support short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft and hovercraft. All vessels in the class were constructed by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The lead ship, USS Wasp, entered service in July 1989.
The design is based on the preceding Tarawa-class hull but includes several structural modifications. These changes include a lower bridge placement, the relocation of command and control facilities to the interior of the hull, and the removal of the 5-inch naval guns found on the earlier class. The hull was lengthened to accommodate the operation of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft, making the Wasp class the first ships designed specifically for this purpose.
The class provides transport and landing capabilities for United States Marine Corps Marine Expeditionary Units. For amphibious operations, the ships feature a well deck capable of launching LCACs, Landing Craft Mechanized, or Amphibious Assault Vehicles. An internal monorail system and dedicated elevators facilitate the movement of cargo and vehicles between storage areas and the well deck. Aviation facilities include a flight deck with multiple landing spots and a hangar deck connected by two folding elevators. The class supports fixed-wing STOVL aircraft, tiltrotors, and various attack and utility helicopters. Medical facilities on board include patient beds, operating rooms, and an overflow casualty ward.
Propulsion for the majority of the class is provided by geared steam turbines. The final ship of the series, USS Makin Island, differs from the earlier vessels by utilizing gas turbines.
A total of eight Wasp-class ships were completed. Seven vessels remain in active service. In July 2020, USS Bonhomme Richard sustained damage from a fire while in port. The ship was subsequently decommissioned in April 2021 and sold for scrap. The Wasp class is succeeded by the America class.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- AUG 82026 Updated Thrust updated
- JUL 272026 Updated Category updated
- JUL 232026 Updated Sources and cross-references refreshed
- APR 72026 Updated Description updated in a site-wide editorial pass
- JAN 182026 Updated Number built, cost and based aircraft added; type, units and 5 more fields updated