USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7)

• Namesake: USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7) was named after the pivotal World War II Battle of Guadalcanal, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those who fought there. • Class: She was an Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship, designed to support U.S. Marine Corps operations by deploying helicopters and troops. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on July 16, 1963, and served for nearly 28 years before being decommissioned in 1994. • Apollo 9 Recovery: USS Guadalcanal famously served as the primary recovery ship for the Apollo 9 space mission in March 1969, retrieving astronauts and the command module from the Atlantic Ocean. • Vietnam War Service: She participated in several operations during the Vietnam War, transporting Marines and providing helicopter support for amphibious assaults. • Lebanon Peacekeeping: The ship was deployed off the coast of Lebanon in 1983 as part of the multinational peacekeeping force during the Lebanese Civil War. • Operation Urgent Fury: In 1983, USS Guadalcanal took part in the U.S. invasion of Grenada, providing helicopter and troop support during Operation Urgent Fury. • Helicopter Capabilities: Designed to carry various helicopters, including the CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53 Sea Stallion, the ship could rapidly deploy forces and equipment ashore. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, Guadalcanal participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, providing aid in regions affected by natural disasters. • Decommissioning and Fate: Decommissioned on August 31, 1994, the USS Guadalcanal was eventually sold for scrap in 2005, ending her distinguished service career.