Inchon (LPH 12) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE INCI-ION LANDING Ftushing to the south following their initial invasion of the Republic of Korea on June 20th, North Korean forces threatened an embattled United Nations force behind the Pusan perimeter late in the summer of 1950. The enemy's principal weakness lay in its lengthy supply lines, which stretched from Ffyong- yang in the North through Seoul-lnchon and Taejon in the south. Fearing an American Dunkirk at Pusan, General Douglas MacArthur overrode the objec- tions of virtually every senior military expert by proposing an amphibious landing at lnchon, far north of Pusan on the west coast of the Korean peninsula. lf successful, capture of the port of lnchon would leave nearby Seoul, and Kimpo Airport vulnerable to United Nations forces. The valiant performance of the Navy-Marine Corps team with supporting Army and Republic of Korea forces, justified lVlacArthur's decision. Victory at lnchon added new dimensions to modern amphibious warfare. Few places could be described as less favorable for the envisioned operation. Extensive mud flats and a high seawall dictated a landing at high tide, feasible only three days in autumn. The monumental tidal range of thirty-two feet was among the world's greatest resulting in strong and erratic currents in a highly restricted approach channel. Less than a month was available for preparation, tGuadalcanal had required eight monthsl, and the sudden appearance of Typhoon Kezia threatened cancellation at the last moment. As in any amphibi- ous operation, surprise was a vital element. The necessity to neutralize the heavily fortified island of Womido, which commanded the harbor approaches, eliminated any possibility to total surprise. Despite the obstacles, on September 15th, 1950, Navy landing craft fought their way to Womido and the lnchon beaches, disembarking their troops close to the center of the city. Within 24 hours lnchon was secured and then returned to Korean civil authority on September 28th. The spectacularly successful operation paved the way for a reversal of the entire military situation in Korea, and scored a badly needed psychological victory for United Nations forces.

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K9 51' ATE 1 Nc:

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UNITED STATES SHIP INCHCN CLP!-I-125 USS lnchon QLPH-127 was commissioned on June 20, 1970 at the U.S. Naval shipyard in Portsmouth, VA. The seventh and last of the lwo Jima class of amphibious assault ships, she is designed to deploy with United States Marines wherever their presence may be required. In addition to ship's company, lnchon can carry nearly two thousand Marines, including a reinforced Marine helicopter squadron used to transport ground troops to landing zones. She can also provide medical relief in the event of a natural disaster and evacuation of United States citizens from troubled areas should the need arise. Her motto and insignia NEVER MORE BRlGHTLY are derived from the congratulatory message General Douglas MacArthur sent to the Fleet following the successful lnchon, Korea landing on September 15, 1950. The Navy and Marines have never shone more brightly than this morning. ln her 22 year career, lnchon has achieved several milestones. She was the first LPH to complete a world cruise and the last Atlantic Fleet ship to return from the Vietnam conflict. lnchon has also participated in minesweeping operations in the Suez Canal and Haiphong Harbor, crossed the Arctic Circle and the Equator, and participated in Operation Sharp Edge.