Clifford Albanese

USS Bataan (LHD 5) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on September 20, 1997. Named in honor of the heroic defense of the Bataan Peninsula during World War II, the ship has played a pivotal role in numerous military and humanitarian operations worldwide. Over its service, USS Bataan has participated in major deployments, including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The ship continues to serve as a versatile platform for Marine Corps and joint force operations, exemplifying the Navy’s expeditionary capabilities.