LHA-1 Tarawa-class
American amphibious assault ship, introduced in 1976, displaces 39,967 tons.
| Subtype | Amphibious assault ship |
| Displacement | 39967 tons |
| Crew | 930 members |
| Width | 40.2 m (131.9 ft) |
| Length | 254.0 m (833.3 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 × Combustion Engineering boilers, 2 × Westinghouse turbines, 70,000 horsepower (52,000 kW), 2 × propeller shafts, 1 × bow thruster |
| Thrust | 14600 hp |
| Units | USS Tarawa, USS Saipan, USS Belleau Wood, USS Nassau, USS Peleliu |
| Range | 10000 km at 20 knots |
| Maximum speed | 24 knots |
- Mark 49 RAM missile system
- 2 × Vulcan Phalanx
- 6 × 25 mm automatic cannons
- 8 × 12.7 mm machine guns
- 2 × 8 cell MK-25 NATO Sea Sparrow BPDMS launchers
- 3 × 5-inch (127 mm) Mk 45 lightweight guns
- 19 Sea Stallions
- 26 Sea Knights
- 6 Harrier jump-jets
Description
The Tarawa class of Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) ships was developed for the United States Navy to succeed the Iwo Jima class. Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, the program was initiated during fiscal year 1969. Although nine vessels were originally contracted, the order was reduced to five ships in 1971. Design challenges early in the program led to increased Navy involvement in the development process, deviating from the original procurement concept. The remaining four planned hulls were canceled, with the Wasp class later succeeding the design.
The class was designed to transport and deploy a reinforced battalion of the United States Marine Corps. The vessels utilize a flight deck with aircraft lifts to operate a variety of rotorcraft, including Sea Stallions and Sea Knights. Following modifications, the class also operated Harrier jump-jets. For amphibious operations, the ships feature a stern well deck capable of embarking and launching various landing craft, such as LCU and LCM designs, and amphibious vehicles. Internal space is allocated for marine personnel, vehicles, and equipment stores. Propulsion is provided by boilers and turbines driving two propeller shafts, supplemented by a bow thruster. The defensive suite evolved over the service life of the class; original guns and Sea Sparrow systems were removed or replaced by RAM missiles, Phalanx close-in weapon systems, automatic cannons, and machine guns. Countermeasures include towed torpedo decoys and chaff launchers.
The lead ship, USS Tarawa, entered service in 1976, followed by four additional vessels through 1980. The class remained in active service until the early 21st century. Decommissioning of the vessels began in 2005 with USS Belleau Wood. USS Peleliu, the final active ship of the class, was decommissioned in 2015. Following their removal from active service, two ships were utilized as target ships during exercises, two were scrapped, and one remains in reserve. The class was replaced by the America-class amphibious assault ships.