About this Unit
The USS Wasp is the name given to multiple ships in United States Navy history, with the most recent being LHD-1, an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1989. The lineage of ships bearing the name "Wasp" dates back to the American Revolution, with the original USS Wasp (1775) serving valiantly before being captured by the British. Subsequent vessels, including aircraft carriers and amphibious ships, have participated in major conflicts such as World War II, where CV-7 was lost during the Guadalcanal campaign. Today, USS Wasp (LHD-1) continues to project power, support Marine Corps operations, and participate in humanitarian missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Multiple Ships Named USS Wasp: The name "USS Wasp" has been used for ten different ships in the US Navy, dating back to the American Revolutionary War.
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Revolutionary War Origins: The first USS Wasp was an 8-gun schooner that served the Continental Navy and captured several British ships before being captured herself in 1777.
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War of 1812 Heroics: The most famous early USS Wasp, a sloop-of-war launched in 1813, captured or sank multiple British vessels in the War of 1812 before mysteriously disappearing at sea.
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WWII Aircraft Carrier: USS Wasp (CV-7) was an aircraft carrier commissioned in 1940 and played a critical role in early World War II operations, including ferrying Spitfire fighters to Malta.
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Sunk in the Pacific: On September 15, 1942, USS Wasp (CV-7) was sunk by Japanese submarine torpedoes during the Guadalcanal campaign, with the loss of 193 crewmen.
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Modern Amphibious Assault Ship: The current USS Wasp (LHD-1) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, commissioned in 1989 and designed to transport and deploy Marines, helicopters, and landing craft.
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First Ship to Deploy F-35B: USS Wasp (LHD-1) was the first US Navy ship to deploy the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter in an operational environment in 2018.
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Operation Tomodachi: USS Wasp participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
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Presidential Visit: In May 2019, President Donald Trump addressed US service members onboard USS Wasp while it was stationed in Japan.
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International Cooperation: USS Wasp has regularly participated in joint exercises with allied navies, including exercises in the South China Sea and with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
