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| USS NASSAU USS BATAAN |
THE GATORS
COME TO TOWN
BY RICHARD H. WAGNER
(Originally published by the Navy League
of the United States, New York Council in
The Log, Fall 2009).
COME TO TOWN
BY RICHARD H. WAGNER
(Originally published by the Navy League
of the United States, New York Council in
The Log, Fall 2009).
This fall New York was honored by the visits of two of the Navy's
multipurpose amphibious assault ships, USS NASSAU (LHA 4) and USS
BATAAN (LHD 5). On both occasions, Navy Leaguers were welcomed
onboard for special behind-the scenes tours of these large powerful ships.
The NASSAU Visit
USS NASSAU came to New York in order to participate in the 100th
anniversary of the Great White Fleet festivities and Columbus Day
celebrations. She was accompanied by ITS SALVATORE TODARO (S
526) of the Italian Navy.
NASSAU is a Tarawa class LHA. Originally, there were to be nine
such vessels but only five were ever built. All of these ships are named
after battles fought by the Marines. The fourth ship in the class,
NASSAU is 820 feet long, 106 feet wide and has a full load displacement
of 39,967 tons. Her top speed is in excess of 24 knots and her
sustainable speed is 22 knots.
NASSAU's stated mission is "to embark, deploy and land a Marine
landing force by helicopter, attack aircraft, or amphibious vehicle. The
ship can operate alone or in conjunction with other units. The Tarawa
class multi-purpose assault ship is designed to get a balanced force to the
same point at the same time."
To perform this role, NASSAU can house and transport 1,900
Marines and their equipment. She can deliver them ashore either by air
or by sea. Her air group can provide close support and can evacuate
casualties back to the ship's 300 bed hospital.
Her aircraft carrier-like flight deck can handle helicopters and
VSTOL (Vertical or Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft. Normally,
NASSAU deploys with 33 aircraft consisting of 10 MV-22 Ospreys, 4
UH-1 Hueys, 4 AH-1W Super Cobras, 2 MH 60S Seahawks, 4 CH53E
Sea Stallions and 6 AV-8B Harriers.
NASSAU has no catapults and no take-off ramp like those on the
British VSTOL aircraft carriers to assist her Harriers into the air. The
thinking is that the flight deck is sufficiently long for the Harriers to do
rolling take offs. Also, as one officer pointed out, the US envisions these
aircraft as flying close air support and since they will launch closer to the
action, they will not need as much fuel as their British counterparts
carry. This makes the aircraft lighter and they can take off in less
distance.
NASSAU's 268 foot long well deck can accommodate conventional
landing craft and amphibious vehicles. However, she can only carry one
of the state-of-the-art LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion) due to the
configuration of her well deck.
There are now three Tarawa class LHAs in active service. USS
SAIPAN (LHA 2) was decommissioned in 2005. However, the Navy
plans to build a new LHA that will not have a well deck but which will
have enhanced aviation facilities. That ship is scheduled for delivery in
2013.
Captain James R. Boorujy, commanding officer of the NASSAU,
spoke with Navy Leaguers in his quarters about his ship. The native of
Basking Ridge, New Jersey noted that NASSAU had just returned from
Galveston, Texas where she had been assisting the victims of Hurricane
Ike. Each day during that deployment, Sailors would go ashore to help
with the disaster recovery efforts including cutting down fallen trees,
cleaning-up debris and delivering meals, water and ice to the victims.
Utilizing the crew's aviation expertise, one of the projects the ship
became involved in was helping to preserve some vintage World War II
aircraft that had been damaged when the storm hit the Lone Star Flight
Museum. For their humanitarian relief work, VADM Mel Williams Jr.,
Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, decorated members of NASSAU's crew
in a ceremony while the ship was in New York.
Noting that 2008 marked the 100th anniversary of the voyage of the
Great White Fleet, Captain Boorujy pointed out that during the voyage
ships from the Great White Fleet assisted victims of an earthquake in
Sicily. Since NASSAU had conducted the Navy's most recent
humanitarian relief mission, it was especially appropriate that she was in
New York to commemorate the voyage of the Great White Fleet.
Captain Boorujy also pointed out that earlier in the year, NASSAU
had participated in joint training exercises with the navies of Algeria,
Morocco, Greece and other Mediterranean countries. When a large ship
such as NASSAU participates in such exercises, it impresses upon those
involved the strength of the United States commitment to those countries.
Ships such as NASSAU form the centerpiece of Expeditionary
Strike Groups. These task force-like formations also include cruisers,
destroyers and other surface combatants. However, on recent
deployments, while the ships of the Strike Group have transited the
Atlantic together, they have then largely dispersed to operate individually.
Before proceeding to view the flight deck, the navigation bridge and
other areas of the ship, the Navy Leaguers accompanied Captain Boorujy
to a memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks that is
located in NASSAU's island. There, a delegation from the New York
Fire Department Battalion 57, Engine 235, donated some additional items
for the display which were gratefully accepted.
The BATAAN Visit
In honor of Veteran's Day and the re-opening of the Intrepid Sea, Air and
Space Museum, USS BATAAN spent a week in New York in early
November. Once again, Navy Leaguers were invited onboard for a
special tour.
The Navy Leaguers were greeted by Captain Samuel Howard,
commanding officer of USS BATAAN. "It is a privilege to have an
award winning Navy League Council onboard. We are all very pleased
that you represent the sea services so well both in helping the public
understand what we do but also in representing those issues that are
important to Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen to the higher levels
of the world. Thank you for your hospitality here and everywhere ships
go. There has not been a port that I have been in where the Navy
League hasn't extended a welcome and my fellows here are starting to
feel that right here in New York."
BATAAN is a Wasp class amphibious assault ship - - a sister to
USS WASP (LHD 1), USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) and USS IWO
JIMA (LHD 8), all of which have participated in Fleet Weeks in recent
years. The Wasp class ships are named after World War II aircraft
carriers which were in turn, named after Navy ships or battles.
BATAAN is 894 feet long, 106 feet wide and has a displacement of
40,329 tons.
The LHD class is very similar to the earlier Tarawa class LHAs.
Indeed, it has been argued that they are not really separate classes and
that the LHDs should have been assigned LHA hull numbers. Captain
Howard, however noted some of the differences between his ship and
NASSAU. "Our well deck is optimized for carrying the LCAC. We have
an expanded command and control capability. There were quality of life
upgrades and a significantly larger medical capability. There have also
been some changes to handle some more up-to-date aircraft. When
NASSAU and that class were built, they had three five inch guns in a cut-
out in the bow. This ship was never outfitted for guns."
When BATAAN visited New York City, there were seven LHDs in
service. "In January, we will take delivery of another one of this class,
USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). She will have gas turbine propulsion
and a different electrical system," explained Captain Howard.
The Wasp class was specifically designed to accommodate the
LCAC and she can carry three LCACs. The LCACS ride on a cushion
of air and can bring Marines and their equipment beyond the surf onto
the land. Because they can travel across dry surfaces, they do not need a
wet well deck. Thus, while NASSAU's well deck must be flooded in
order for her conventional landing craft to enter the ship, the LCACs
climb a 15 foot ramp from the sea into a dry well deck on BATAAN.
LCACs are powered by four gas turbine engines that drive two fan-
like propellers that are 18 feet in diameter. They send the LCAC across
the water at over 40 knots depending upon sea conditions. They can be
used to ferry Marines and their equipment to the shore and back from as
far as 100 miles out. An LCAC can carry between 60 to 75 tons
including an M1 tank or 145 combat-equipped Marines.
BATAAN and her sisters were also designed to carry a squadron of
Harriers and have enhanced support capabilities for the Harrier. Indeed,
in Operation Iraqi Freedom, two LHDs were transformed into "Harrier
carriers" with air wings comprised completely of Harriers.
The Wasp class also has more extensive hospital facilities than
earlier assault ships. In fact, its 600 bed hospital is second only in size
and capability to the Navy's hospital ships. Consequently, the Wasp class
have been used extensively for humanitarian missions. "This ship was
the first ship to arrive in the Gulf Coast in response to Hurricane Katrina
and then IWO JIMA came later. USS KEARSARGE, her sister, is right
now conducting a humanitarian deployment in the Caribbean."
The primary mission, however, remains to enable the Navy/Marine
Corps team to accomplish a seamless transition from the sea to the land
battle. "We are capable. The Commandant of the Marine Corps
described the Navy/Marine Corps team as 'no better friend, no worse
enemy." Smiling at a Marine who was standing nearby, Captain Howard
continued, "No one wants to tangle with Lance Corporal Jackson and all
that comes with him."
multipurpose amphibious assault ships, USS NASSAU (LHA 4) and USS
BATAAN (LHD 5). On both occasions, Navy Leaguers were welcomed
onboard for special behind-the scenes tours of these large powerful ships.
The NASSAU Visit
USS NASSAU came to New York in order to participate in the 100th
anniversary of the Great White Fleet festivities and Columbus Day
celebrations. She was accompanied by ITS SALVATORE TODARO (S
526) of the Italian Navy.
NASSAU is a Tarawa class LHA. Originally, there were to be nine
such vessels but only five were ever built. All of these ships are named
after battles fought by the Marines. The fourth ship in the class,
NASSAU is 820 feet long, 106 feet wide and has a full load displacement
of 39,967 tons. Her top speed is in excess of 24 knots and her
sustainable speed is 22 knots.
NASSAU's stated mission is "to embark, deploy and land a Marine
landing force by helicopter, attack aircraft, or amphibious vehicle. The
ship can operate alone or in conjunction with other units. The Tarawa
class multi-purpose assault ship is designed to get a balanced force to the
same point at the same time."
To perform this role, NASSAU can house and transport 1,900
Marines and their equipment. She can deliver them ashore either by air
or by sea. Her air group can provide close support and can evacuate
casualties back to the ship's 300 bed hospital.
Her aircraft carrier-like flight deck can handle helicopters and
VSTOL (Vertical or Short Take Off and Landing) aircraft. Normally,
NASSAU deploys with 33 aircraft consisting of 10 MV-22 Ospreys, 4
UH-1 Hueys, 4 AH-1W Super Cobras, 2 MH 60S Seahawks, 4 CH53E
Sea Stallions and 6 AV-8B Harriers.
NASSAU has no catapults and no take-off ramp like those on the
British VSTOL aircraft carriers to assist her Harriers into the air. The
thinking is that the flight deck is sufficiently long for the Harriers to do
rolling take offs. Also, as one officer pointed out, the US envisions these
aircraft as flying close air support and since they will launch closer to the
action, they will not need as much fuel as their British counterparts
carry. This makes the aircraft lighter and they can take off in less
distance.
NASSAU's 268 foot long well deck can accommodate conventional
landing craft and amphibious vehicles. However, she can only carry one
of the state-of-the-art LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion) due to the
configuration of her well deck.
There are now three Tarawa class LHAs in active service. USS
SAIPAN (LHA 2) was decommissioned in 2005. However, the Navy
plans to build a new LHA that will not have a well deck but which will
have enhanced aviation facilities. That ship is scheduled for delivery in
2013.
Captain James R. Boorujy, commanding officer of the NASSAU,
spoke with Navy Leaguers in his quarters about his ship. The native of
Basking Ridge, New Jersey noted that NASSAU had just returned from
Galveston, Texas where she had been assisting the victims of Hurricane
Ike. Each day during that deployment, Sailors would go ashore to help
with the disaster recovery efforts including cutting down fallen trees,
cleaning-up debris and delivering meals, water and ice to the victims.
Utilizing the crew's aviation expertise, one of the projects the ship
became involved in was helping to preserve some vintage World War II
aircraft that had been damaged when the storm hit the Lone Star Flight
Museum. For their humanitarian relief work, VADM Mel Williams Jr.,
Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, decorated members of NASSAU's crew
in a ceremony while the ship was in New York.
Noting that 2008 marked the 100th anniversary of the voyage of the
Great White Fleet, Captain Boorujy pointed out that during the voyage
ships from the Great White Fleet assisted victims of an earthquake in
Sicily. Since NASSAU had conducted the Navy's most recent
humanitarian relief mission, it was especially appropriate that she was in
New York to commemorate the voyage of the Great White Fleet.
Captain Boorujy also pointed out that earlier in the year, NASSAU
had participated in joint training exercises with the navies of Algeria,
Morocco, Greece and other Mediterranean countries. When a large ship
such as NASSAU participates in such exercises, it impresses upon those
involved the strength of the United States commitment to those countries.
Ships such as NASSAU form the centerpiece of Expeditionary
Strike Groups. These task force-like formations also include cruisers,
destroyers and other surface combatants. However, on recent
deployments, while the ships of the Strike Group have transited the
Atlantic together, they have then largely dispersed to operate individually.
Before proceeding to view the flight deck, the navigation bridge and
other areas of the ship, the Navy Leaguers accompanied Captain Boorujy
to a memorial to the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks that is
located in NASSAU's island. There, a delegation from the New York
Fire Department Battalion 57, Engine 235, donated some additional items
for the display which were gratefully accepted.
The BATAAN Visit
In honor of Veteran's Day and the re-opening of the Intrepid Sea, Air and
Space Museum, USS BATAAN spent a week in New York in early
November. Once again, Navy Leaguers were invited onboard for a
special tour.
The Navy Leaguers were greeted by Captain Samuel Howard,
commanding officer of USS BATAAN. "It is a privilege to have an
award winning Navy League Council onboard. We are all very pleased
that you represent the sea services so well both in helping the public
understand what we do but also in representing those issues that are
important to Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen to the higher levels
of the world. Thank you for your hospitality here and everywhere ships
go. There has not been a port that I have been in where the Navy
League hasn't extended a welcome and my fellows here are starting to
feel that right here in New York."
BATAAN is a Wasp class amphibious assault ship - - a sister to
USS WASP (LHD 1), USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) and USS IWO
JIMA (LHD 8), all of which have participated in Fleet Weeks in recent
years. The Wasp class ships are named after World War II aircraft
carriers which were in turn, named after Navy ships or battles.
BATAAN is 894 feet long, 106 feet wide and has a displacement of
40,329 tons.
The LHD class is very similar to the earlier Tarawa class LHAs.
Indeed, it has been argued that they are not really separate classes and
that the LHDs should have been assigned LHA hull numbers. Captain
Howard, however noted some of the differences between his ship and
NASSAU. "Our well deck is optimized for carrying the LCAC. We have
an expanded command and control capability. There were quality of life
upgrades and a significantly larger medical capability. There have also
been some changes to handle some more up-to-date aircraft. When
NASSAU and that class were built, they had three five inch guns in a cut-
out in the bow. This ship was never outfitted for guns."
When BATAAN visited New York City, there were seven LHDs in
service. "In January, we will take delivery of another one of this class,
USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). She will have gas turbine propulsion
and a different electrical system," explained Captain Howard.
The Wasp class was specifically designed to accommodate the
LCAC and she can carry three LCACs. The LCACS ride on a cushion
of air and can bring Marines and their equipment beyond the surf onto
the land. Because they can travel across dry surfaces, they do not need a
wet well deck. Thus, while NASSAU's well deck must be flooded in
order for her conventional landing craft to enter the ship, the LCACs
climb a 15 foot ramp from the sea into a dry well deck on BATAAN.
LCACs are powered by four gas turbine engines that drive two fan-
like propellers that are 18 feet in diameter. They send the LCAC across
the water at over 40 knots depending upon sea conditions. They can be
used to ferry Marines and their equipment to the shore and back from as
far as 100 miles out. An LCAC can carry between 60 to 75 tons
including an M1 tank or 145 combat-equipped Marines.
BATAAN and her sisters were also designed to carry a squadron of
Harriers and have enhanced support capabilities for the Harrier. Indeed,
in Operation Iraqi Freedom, two LHDs were transformed into "Harrier
carriers" with air wings comprised completely of Harriers.
The Wasp class also has more extensive hospital facilities than
earlier assault ships. In fact, its 600 bed hospital is second only in size
and capability to the Navy's hospital ships. Consequently, the Wasp class
have been used extensively for humanitarian missions. "This ship was
the first ship to arrive in the Gulf Coast in response to Hurricane Katrina
and then IWO JIMA came later. USS KEARSARGE, her sister, is right
now conducting a humanitarian deployment in the Caribbean."
The primary mission, however, remains to enable the Navy/Marine
Corps team to accomplish a seamless transition from the sea to the land
battle. "We are capable. The Commandant of the Marine Corps
described the Navy/Marine Corps team as 'no better friend, no worse
enemy." Smiling at a Marine who was standing nearby, Captain Howard
continued, "No one wants to tangle with Lance Corporal Jackson and all
that comes with him."
USS NASSAU (LHA 4)
Captain Samuel Howard, CO of
USS Bataan.
USS Bataan.
USS BATAAN (LHD 5)
A Marine Harrier on Bataan's
flight deck.
flight deck.
Captain James R. Boorujy, CO
of USS Nassau.
of USS Nassau.
Nassau can carry the new
tilt-rotar Marine transport MV
22 Osprey.
tilt-rotar Marine transport MV
22 Osprey.