USS NASSAU

• Commissioning: USS Nassau (LHA-4) was commissioned on 28 July 1979, serving as the fourth ship in the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ships. • Name Origin: The ship was named after the Battle of Nassau (1776), the first amphibious landing by the United States Marine Corps during the American Revolution. • Versatility: USS Nassau was designed to serve as a "mini aircraft carrier," capable of carrying helicopters, Harrier jump jets, and a full Marine Expeditionary Unit. • First Deployment: Nassau’s maiden deployment was in 1981, participating in exercises and operations in the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic. • Desert Storm: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Nassau served as a flagship and launched Marine air and amphibious assaults against Iraqi forces. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in multiple humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Caribbean and off the coast of Africa. • Groundbreaking Role: Nassau was the first amphibious assault ship to operate as an aircraft carrier when she filled in for the USS America (CV-66) in 1994, launching fixed-wing aircraft during a deployment. • 9/11 Response: Shortly after the September 11 attacks, Nassau was rapidly deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom, providing essential support in the early stages of the Afghanistan campaign. • Decommissioning: After more than 31 years of service, USS Nassau was decommissioned on 31 March 2011, having completed 25 deployments and traveled over 700,000 nautical miles. • Legacy: USS Nassau’s legacy continues through her support of Marine Corps and Navy operations, her participation in joint and international exercises, and the thousands of sailors and Marines who served aboard her.