The US European Command recently announced that the USS Wasp (LHD 1), an amphibious assault ship, has entered the Mediterranean Sea. This deployment coincides with rising tensions between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
The USS Wasp, along with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), has been strategically positioned in the US Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area. Its mission is to enhance operational capabilities by facilitating ship-to-shore movement via helicopters and landing craft.
Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the Pentagon, emphasized that the Wasp’s relocation serves to promote regional stability and act as an additional deterrent in the area. The ship’s flexibility and capabilities provide valuable support to the regional commander.
The vessel can accommodate three Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCAC), 12 Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) platforms, or 40 Amphibious Armored Vehicles (AAVs). It also boasts nine helicopter spots on the flight deck, capable of handling rotorcraft like the CH-53 Super Stallion or MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor.
With a 1,858m² vehicle deck, the Wasp can carry M1 Abrams tanks, M198 howitzers, trucks, and other support vehicles used by the MEU. Additionally, it offers 2,860m² of cargo space and a hospital facility with 68 beds and six operating theaters.
The Wasp-class ships are armed with two Mk29 launchers for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow Missiles, two Mk49 launchers for longer-range RIM-117 RAM defense, three Phalanx CIWS, and four 25mm Mk38 chain guns for short-range protection. Sensor systems include the Mk36 SRBOC chaff and decoy launcher, AN/SLQ-25 torpedo decoy, and AN/SLQ-32 EW suite.
The ship features AN/SPS-48E E/F band 3D air search radar, AN/SPS-49(V)9 C/D band secondary air search radar, AN/SPN-43 air search radar, AN/SPS-67 G band primary navigation radar, and the Mk23 target acquisition system.
Despite its military role, the US emphasizes a commitment to diplomatic solutions. Singh clarified that the Wasp’s presence aims to deter aggression and de-escalate tensions in the region.
In addition to its deterrence role, the USS Wasp can serve as a transport vessel and evacuation platform if the Israel-Lebanon situation escalates.
The Wasp-class ships will gradually be replaced the America-class Landing Helicopter Assault ships, the estimated phase-out date is 2029.
The USS Wasp, alongside the USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) and USS New York (LPD-21), constitutes the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU). Deployed from the East Coast on June 1, this force supports US, Allied, and partner interests in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF oversees US naval forces in the European Command and Africa Command areas of responsibility, with the US 6th Fleet playing a vital role in joint and naval operations.
