Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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OS2 C A RUBY RP2 D M RUNGE RM2 W L WILLIAMS ()S2 A L DAVIS YN3 B D MOORE OS3 S A TELLIER RM3 D R WHITE CTTSN S FATULA

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USS Essex ESSEX (LHD 2) is the second ship in the LHD Class of U.S. Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ships. The mission of these ships is to conduct prompt, sustained operations at sea, primarily as the centerpiece of the Navy ' s amphibious groups. LHD ' s provide the means to transport, deploy, command and support all elements of a Marine landing force in assault by air and amphibious craft. The WASP Class is the first specifically designed by a joint Navy Marine Corps team to use air cushion landing craft (LCAC) for the assault and to carry Harrier II (AV-8B) jump jets, for close air support of the assault force. LHD ' s accommodate the full range of Navy and Marines Corps helicopters, conventional landing craft and amphibious vehicles, along with all the tanks, trucks, jeeps, other vehicles, artillery, ammunition and other supplies necessary to fully support the assault. ESSEX has an assault support system that synchronizes the simultaneous horizontal and vertical flow of troops, cargo and vehicles throughout the ship. Six 1 2- by 25-foot cargo elevators transport materials and supplies from cargo The Helicopters The Harrier