About this Unit
USS **Belleau Wood** refers to two notable ships in United States Navy history, named after the World War I Battle of Belleau Wood. The first, **USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24)**, was a light aircraft carrier commissioned in 1943, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in major campaigns such as the Battle of the Philippine Sea. For her service, she earned 12 battle stars before being transferred to the French Navy in 1953. The second, **USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3)**, was an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1978, supporting numerous operations including humanitarian missions and Operation Desert Storm, before decommissioning in 2005. Both ships upheld the legacy of their namesake, embodying valor and service in their respective eras.
Historical Facts
•
Two Ships Named USS Belleau Wood: The name "USS Belleau Wood" has been assigned to two U.S. Navy ships: CVL-24 (an Independence-class light aircraft carrier, 1943–1953) and LHA-3 (a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship, 1978–2006).
•
Named After a Legendary WWI Battle: Both ships are named in honor of the Battle of Belleau Wood (1918), where U.S. Marines earned fame for their tenacity and courage in France during World War I.
•
CVL-24's World War II Service: The first USS Belleau Wood (CVL-24) participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the Marianas, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, earning 12 battle stars.
•
Kamikaze Attack: On 30 October 1944, Belleau Wood (CVL-24) was hit by a kamikaze plane, resulting in 92 dead or missing, but the carrier continued on with repairs and returned to action.
•
Postwar French Service: After WWII, CVL-24 was transferred to France in 1953 under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program and served as the French aircraft carrier Bois Belleau.
•
LHA-3’s Humanitarian Missions: The second USS Belleau Wood (LHA-3) was involved in multiple humanitarian missions, including Operation Sea Angel (Bangladesh, 1991) and support after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
•
Operation Desert Storm: LHA-3 played a key role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), serving as a platform for Marine assaults and helicopter operations in the Persian Gulf.
•
Rescue of Vietnamese Boat People: In the late 1970s and 1980s, Belleau Wood (LHA-3) rescued hundreds of Vietnamese refugees fleeing after the Vietnam War, providing lifesaving aid at sea.
•
Decommissioning and Sinking: LHA-3 was decommissioned in 2005 and sunk as a target during Exercise RIMPAC 2006, continuing to serve in naval training even after active service.
•
"Retreat? Hell!": The ship's motto, "Retreat? Hell!", commemorates the famous phrase attributed to Marine Captain Lloyd W. Williams at Belleau Wood in 1918, epitomizing Marine Corps resolve and spirit.
