About this Unit
USS Guam is the name borne by several United States Navy ships, most notably LPH-9, an Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1965. Designed to embark, transport, and land elements of a Marine landing force, USS Guam played a key role in numerous operations, including supporting the evacuation of Saigon during Operation Frequent Wind in 1975. Throughout her service, she participated in major exercises, humanitarian missions, and provided disaster relief. Decommissioned in 1998, USS Guam’s legacy endures as a symbol of U.S. naval amphibious capability.
Historical Facts
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Unique Class: USS Guam (LPH-9) was the lead ship of the Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ships, designed primarily to embark, transport, and land elements of a Marine landing force in an amphibious assault by helicopters.
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Commissioning: USS Guam was commissioned on 16 January 1965 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.
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Vietnam War Service: The ship participated in operations during the Vietnam War, providing helicopter assault support and serving as a floating base.
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Space Recovery Missions: USS Guam served as a recovery ship for NASA’s Apollo missions, including serving as a secondary recovery ship for Apollo 8.
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Lebanon Peacekeeping: Guam was involved in the 1983 multinational peacekeeping operations in Beirut, Lebanon, supporting U.S. Marines during a period of intense conflict.
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Operation Urgent Fury: In 1983, USS Guam was the flagship for the U.S. invasion of Grenada, known as Operation Urgent Fury, providing both air and sea support for the operation.
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Anti-Aircraft Cruiser Conversion: In 1996, USS Guam was temporarily converted into a Sea Control Ship (SCS) to evaluate the concept of a small aircraft carrier, operating AV-8A Harrier jump jets and anti-submarine helicopters.
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Humanitarian Missions: USS Guam participated in several humanitarian and evacuation missions throughout its career, including the evacuation of U.S. citizens from Cyprus in 1974.
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Decommissioning: After over 33 years of service, USS Guam was decommissioned on 25 August 1998.
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Final Fate: The ship was sunk as a target during a fleet training exercise off the coast of North Carolina on 16 October 2001, marking the end of its distinguished career.
