Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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M A ax '4 vi 7 wr f wfffnft W www The Crew The Mission USS ESSEX CLHD 21 is safe, trained and ready to fight. ES SEX, s mission is to conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea, as the centerpiece of the Navy,s amphibious strategy of Forward From the Sea. ESSEX provides the means to deliver, command and support all elements ofa Marine Landing Force in an assault by air and amphibious craft. In carrying out her mission, ESSEX has the option of utilizing various combinations of helicopters, Harrier II CAV-SBD Jump Jets and air cushion landing craft CLCACJ, as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles, illustrating the LHD's flexibility. ESSEX can also provide command and control and aircraft facilities for sea control missions, While operating with an aircraft carrier battle group. ESSEX will transport and land ashore not only troops, but also the tanks, trucks, jeeps, other vehicles, artillery, ammunition and various supplies necessary to support the amphibious assault mission. Monorail trains, moving at speeds up to 600 feet per minute, transport cargo and supplies from storage and staging areas throughout the ship to a 13,600 square foot Well deck which opens to the sea through huge gates in the ship's stem, There, the cargo, troops and vehicles are loaded aboard landing craft for transit to the beach. Air cushion landing craft can uflyv out ofthe dry Well deck, or the Well deck can be ballasted down for conventional craft to float out on their way to the assault area. Helicopter flights also transfer troops and equipment to the beach, while the ship ' s air traffic control capability simultaneously directs close air tactical support provided by embarked jet aircraft and helicopter gunships. The ship's extensive medical facilities consist of six medical operating rooms, four dental operating rooms, medical laboratories and hospital facilities capable of caring for 600 patients. ESSEX is second only to the NaVy's hospital ships in medical support capability, providing effective care to retuming troops under battle conditions, or missions during peacetime. 1 5 'ti 3 PHOTO' AN STARKEY disaster relief in support of humanitarian .V Y 2 ,l

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