USS Tarawa (LHA 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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HMJra sstwtai i of Tinxi kJTxI mom r keeps tni tit leaves! -.- M - ; -:. ' ;:f- sorliectfii In an area of political unrest or fil strife, Tarawa ' s helicopters pro- ie a unique capability for assisting the rapid evacuation and protec- un of American citizens. The late Fleet Admiral Chester W. mitz once said, The U.S. Navy ' s ands of mercy have saved more j ' es than its guns ever destroyed. irawa is better suited to that task an any other ship afloat. Whether is a typhoon in Southeast Asia, an rthquake or a hurricane at home, irawa can provide food, clothing, elter, medical care, communica- uns and transportation for disaster ctims. Major medical facilities oard include four operating rooms, tensive care units, a blood bank, oratories and wards for up to 300 iitients. above: The Eagle of the Sea conducting a training exercise, top - opp. page: Tarawa maneuvering to evade a storm, bottom - opp. page: The 1 LHA conducting blue water ops. LHA 1 Page 13

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USS Tarawa (LHA 1) Eagle of the Sea Combining the functions and payloads of four amphibious force ships, Tarawa carries helicopters, Harrier jets, landing craft, tanks, jeeps, cargo and troops giving it al- most a single-handed capability to conduct landing force operations. In addition to its full-length flight deck, which can handle nine helicop- ters at the same time, Tarawa has a large well deck in its stern that en- ables it to dock landing craft, includ ing the new Landing Craft Air Cush ion (LCAC), within its hull. Trucks, jeeps, tanks or cargo can be delivered from storage areas via a system of inclined ramps, elevators and con veyors to landing craft in the well deck or to helicopters on the flight deck. Tarawa ' s extensive electronics and communications systems give task force commanders a high degree of versatility in conducting an assault operation. The heart of Tarawa ' s electronics is the Integrated Tactical Amphibious Warfare Data computer system, which not only keeps track of the landing force after it leaves thel ship, but also tracks enemy targets ashore. With current information, the tac- tical data system can aim and fire the ship ' s guns and missiles or direct fire from other ships. It can also main- tain air and surface traffic control not only for Tarawa ' s jets, helicopters and landing craft, but for combat airs patrol and task force supply ships as well. LHA 1 Page 12

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USS Tarawa She served many roles Tarawa ' s keel was laid down on March 1, 1944 at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. It was launched in the Eli- zabeth River on May 12, 1945. Tarawa measured 856 ft in length and when fully loaded displaced over 34,000 tons. Tarawa carried 80 planes and was equipped to launch and land the first developed jet-propelled air- craft. It remained in the Norfolk area until February 1946. For the first half of 1946, Tarawa completed its post-shakedown over- haul. On June 28, it headed west through the Panama Canal and ar- rived at its new home in San Diego n..: above: USS Tarawa (CVS-40) making a high speed run off the coast of Guatanamo Bay, Cuba. CVA-40 Page 14