About this Unit
USS Iwo Jima (LHD-7) is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 2001. Named after the iconic World War II battle, the ship is designed to deploy and support Marine Expeditionary Units and their equipment. Over its service life, USS Iwo Jima has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions and major exercises such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. The vessel continues to serve as a vital asset in projecting American power and providing rapid crisis response around the world.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS IWO JIMA has been the name of multiple U.S. Navy ships, all named in honor of the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II, a pivotal and fiercely contested amphibious assault in 1945.
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First USS IWO JIMA (CV-46): The first planned USS IWO JIMA was to be an Essex-class aircraft carrier (CV-46), but her construction was canceled in August 1945, just after WWII ended.
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USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2): The first commissioned ship to bear the name was LPH-2, the lead ship of the Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ships, commissioned in 1961 and serving until 1993.
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Helicopter Assault Pioneer: LPH-2 was the world’s first ship specifically designed to carry, deploy, and support helicopters for amphibious assaults, revolutionizing Marine Corps operations.
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Vietnam War Service: USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, supporting Marine landings, providing medical assistance, and acting as a helicopter carrier.
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Apollo 13 Recovery: USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) played a critical role as the recovery ship for the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, retrieving the astronauts safely from the Pacific Ocean in April 1970.
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Gulf War Duty: The current USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7), a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, was commissioned in 2001 and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, deploying Marines and aircraft to the conflict.
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Humanitarian Missions: LHD-7 has provided disaster relief, including assistance after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, serving as a hospital and command center off the coast of New Orleans.
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Symbolic Motto: The ship’s motto is “Uncommon Valor,” reflecting the heroism displayed during the original Battle of Iwo Jima and the ongoing legacy of service.
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Modern Capabilities: USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) can carry a combination of helicopters and AV-8B Harrier II or F-35B Lightning II jets, as well as up to 1,800 Marines, making her a versatile force-projection platform.
