LHA-1 Tarawa-class

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 scrapped and three were expended as targets: Belleau Wood in 2006, Tarawa in 2024, and Peleliu on 17 July 2026 during a RIMPAC sinking exercise north of Kauai, where an unmanned surface vessel delivered a strike in a service first. Peleliu had been the last hull held in reserve, and no units of the class remain. The class was replaced by the America-class amphibious assault ships.