About this Unit
USS Peleliu (LHA 5) was a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship commissioned into the United States Navy on May 3, 1980. Named after the Battle of Peleliu in World War II, the ship served as a flagship for amphibious ready groups, supporting Marine Corps operations and humanitarian missions worldwide. Notably, USS Peleliu participated in Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, and disaster relief efforts such as Operation Unified Assistance after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. After more than 34 years of distinguished service, USS Peleliu was decommissioned on March 31, 2015.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Peleliu (LHA 5) was named after the Battle of Peleliu, a fierce World War II battle fought in 1944 between U.S. forces and the Japanese on the island of Peleliu in the Pacific.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on May 3, 1980, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and became the last of the Tarawa-class amphibious assault ships.
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Humanitarian Missions: USS Peleliu played a crucial role in humanitarian missions, including Operation Restore Hope in Somalia (1992–1993), delivering food and aid to the famine-stricken region.
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Operation Desert Storm: The ship deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition operations and amphibious landings.
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Helicopter Operations: As an amphibious assault ship, Peleliu regularly embarked Marine Expeditionary Units and served as a launch platform for helicopters and Harrier jump jets.
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Rescue at Sea: In 2008, Peleliu rescued 11 crew members from a Somali pirate attack on the merchant vessel Gem of Kilakari in the Gulf of Aden.
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Celebrity Visit: In 1990, famed actor and WWII veteran Lee Marvin visited the ship, sharing stories with the crew about his own experiences during the Battle of Peleliu.
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Medical Capabilities: The ship was equipped with a 300-bed hospital, making it a vital asset for medical support during combat and disaster relief operations.
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Decommissioning: USS Peleliu was decommissioned on March 31, 2015, after 35 years of distinguished service and over 17 deployments.
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Legacy: During its service, Peleliu earned numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation and Humanitarian Service Medal, reflecting its versatility in both combat and peacetime operations.
