About this Unit
**USS Saipan** refers to two ships in United States Navy history. The first, **USS Saipan (CVL-48)**, was a light aircraft carrier commissioned in 1946 after World War II. She served primarily as a training and transport vessel, later converted to a command ship as **USS Arlington (AGMR-2)**, and was decommissioned in 1970. The second, **USS Saipan (LHA-2)**, was an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1977, designed to transport and land Marines, helicopters, and equipment during major operations, including peacekeeping in Lebanon and the Gulf War. USS Saipan (LHA-2) was decommissioned in 2007 after three decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Two Ships Named USS Saipan: The name USS Saipan was used for two different US Navy ships: CVL-48, a light aircraft carrier commissioned in 1946, and LHA-2, an amphibious assault ship commissioned in 1977.
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Named After a Pivotal WWII Battle: Both ships were named to commemorate the Battle of Saipan, a crucial 1944 US victory in the Pacific that enabled further advances toward Japan.
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USS Saipan (CVL-48) Post-WWII Service: Although commissioned after WWII, CVL-48 was pivotal in early Cold War training, carrier qualification, and as a test platform for new aircraft and tactics.
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Helicopter Carrier Conversion: In 1957, CVL-48 was converted to a command ship and helicopter carrier, redesignated as AVT-6, supporting early vertical envelopment concepts.
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Space Program Support: USS Saipan (CVL-48) served as a recovery ship for Project Mercury, the United States' first human spaceflight program in the early 1960s.
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USS Saipan (LHA-2): The second USS Saipan (LHA-2) was a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship, designed to deploy Marines and their equipment using helicopters and landing craft.
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Humanitarian Missions: LHA-2 participated in multiple humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including support during the 1980 Mariel boatlift from Cuba and relief efforts after Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
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Combat Operations: Saipan (LHA-2) served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield in the Persian Gulf, supporting Marine landings and logistics.
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International Exercises: USS Saipan (LHA-2) routinely participated in joint exercises with NATO and allied nations, enhancing interoperability and readiness.
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Decommissioning: CVL-48 was decommissioned in 1970 and scrapped in 1977, while LHA-2 was decommissioned in 2007 after 30 years of service.
