USS IWO JIMA

• Namesake: USS IWO JIMA has been the name of multiple U.S. Navy ships, all named in honor of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, a pivotal and fiercely contested amphibious assault in 1945. • First USS IWO JIMA (CV-46): The first planned USS IWO JIMA was to be an Essex-class aircraft carrier (CV-46), but her construction was canceled in August 1945, just after WWII ended. • USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2): The first commissioned ship to bear the name was LPH-2, the lead ship of the Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ships, commissioned in 1961 and serving until 1993. • Helicopter Assault Pioneer: LPH-2 was the world’s first ship specifically designed to carry, deploy, and support helicopters for amphibious assaults, revolutionizing Marine Corps operations. • Vietnam War Service: USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, supporting Marine landings, providing medical assistance, and acting as a helicopter carrier. • Apollo 13 Recovery: USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) played a critical role as the recovery ship for the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, retrieving the astronauts safely from the Pacific Ocean in April 1970. • Gulf War Duty: The current USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, was commissioned in 2001 and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, deploying Marines and aircraft to the conflict. • Humanitarian Missions: LHD-7 has provided disaster relief, including assistance after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, serving as a hospital and command center off the coast of New Orleans. • Symbolic Motto: The ship’s motto is “Uncommon Valor,” reflecting the heroism displayed during the original Battle of Iwo Jima and the ongoing legacy of service. • Modern Capabilities: USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) can carry a combination of helicopters and AV-8B Harrier II or F-35B Lightning II jets, as well as up to 1,800 Marines, making her a versatile force-projection platform.