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Uss Wasp News

24 Jul 2023

The Need for [U.S. Navy Shipbuilding] Speed

The world's largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) steams in the Adriatic Sea, June 23, 2023.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Adkins)

The Navy wants, and needs, more ships; but it can’t build them fast enough.While the U.S. Navy aims to achieve a 355-ship fleet, it is decommissioning older (and some not so old) ships at about the same rate it's adding new ones.A Congressional Research Service report stated that, as of April 17, 2023, the Navy included 296 battle force ships. "The Navy projects that under its FY2024 budget submission, the Navy would include 293 battle force ships at the end of FY2024 and 291 battle force ships at the end of FY2028."But there is progress…

13 Dec 2022

US Navy Awards BAE Systems $295 Million Contract for USS Kearsarge Refit

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) (Photo: Sarah E. Ard / U.S. Navy)

BAE Systems said it has received a $294.7 million contract from the U.S. Navy to drydock and perform more than 20 months of maintenance and modernization work on the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $340.3 million.Under the awarded contract, the maintenance availability of USS Kearsarge will begin in April. Starting in June, the 843-foot-long ship will be drydocked for nearly a year at BAE Systems’ Norfolk, Va. shipyard.

10 Aug 2021

Video: USS Gerald R. Ford Completes Shock Trials

Shock trials are designed to demonstrate ships’ ability to withstand the effects of nearby underwater explosion and retain required capability. (Photo: Jackson Adkins / U.S. Navy)

The U.S. Navy's new aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on Monday underwent its third explosive event off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla., rounding out the ship’s Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) and validating its shock hardness and ability to sustain operations in a simulated combat environment using live ordnance. During the four-month testing evolution, the first-in-class aircraft carrier withstood the impact of three 40,000-pound underwater blasts, released at distances…

24 Nov 2020

BAE Systems Wins $197 Million Contract for USS Wasp Modernization

Amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) (File photo: Taylor King / U.S. Navy)

BAE Systems said Tuesday it has received a $197.4 million contract from the U.S. Navy to drydock and perform maintenance and modernization work aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1). This is the second time in four years that the company has performed significant work on board the Wasp to sustain its warfighting capability.Under the new contract, BAE Systems’ Norfolk, Va. shipyard will begin working aboard the 843-foot-long USS Wasp in February 2021, performing hull, tank and mechanical work.

14 Mar 2019

Wreckage of USS Wasp CV-7 Discovered

The R/V Petrel, owned by Microsoft Cofounder and Philanthropist Paul G. Allen, at sea in search of the USS Indianapolis. (Photo courtesy of Paul G. Allen)

The expedition crew aboard the late Paul G. Allen’s research vessel (R/V) Petrel discovered wreckage from USS Wasp (CV 7), which was sunk in 1942.Wasp, found Jan. 14, was sunk Sept. 15, 1942, by four Japanese torpedoes from the Japanese submarine I-19 while escorting transports carrying the Seventh Marine Regiment to Guadalcanal as reinforcements. Of the 2,162 on board, 176 were killed as a result of the attack. The sunken aircraft carrier was found in the Coral Sea, 4,200 meters (nearly 14,000 feet) below the surface.“Paul Allen’s passion for U.S. history lives on through these missions.

25 Sep 2018

US Navy Ship Denied Entry into Hong Kong Port

File photo: The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) (U.S. Navy photo by Levingston Lewis)

China has denied a request for a U.S. warship to visit Hong Kong, the U.S. consulate in the Chinese city said on Tuesday, amid rising tension between Beijing and Washington over trade and a U.S. decision to sanction the Asian nation's military.The amphibious assault ship Wasp had been due to make a port call in the former British colony of Hong Kong in October, diplomatic sources said."The Chinese Government did not approve a request for a U.S. port visit to Hong Kong by the USS Wasp…

06 Mar 2018

USN Adds F-35 Carrier to Arsenal

A detachment of F-35B Lightning II's with Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) arrived aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) March 5, marking the first time the aircraft has deployed aboard a U.S. Navy ship and with a Marine Expeditionary Unit in the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B, assigned under the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, will provide a robust set of sea-based capabilities that will enhance Navy-Marine Corps expeditionary operations. The aircraft is equally capable of conducting precision strikes inland, supporting Marines inserted ashore or providing air defense for the Expeditionary Strike Group. "Pairing…

07 Jan 2018

USS Wasp Joins 7th Fleet

The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) entered U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations Jan. 6 after completing nearly two months of disaster relief efforts in the Caribbean Sea. Wasp departed Norfolk Aug. 30 to replace USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) in Sasebo, Japan as the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship in region. While still in the initial phase of its transit, the ship diverted to the Caribbean on Sept. 4 to assist the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica in the wake of Hurricane Irma and then provided assistance to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, a Category 5 storm regarded as the worst natural disaster in the history of the American commonwealth island. In support of relief efforts, Wasp aircraft flew 108 missions on the U.S.

07 Sep 2017

US Amphibious Assault Ships Relief Mission in Virgin Islands

The amphibious assault ships USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) along with the Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit are supporting the lead federal agency in providing humanitarian relief efforts for Hurricane Irma. Wasp, the first Navy platform to arrive in the vicinity of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is providing medium and heavy lift helicopters to transport people and supplies. Wasp's helicopters are conducting medical evacuations for intensive care patients from St. Thomas to St. Croix and conducting site assessments on the initial damage in St. Thomas. Wasp departed for Sasebo, Japan, Aug. 30, to assume duties as the forward-deployed flagship of the amphibious force of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

15 Sep 2016

This Day In Naval History: September 15

USNS Choctaw County (Photo: U.S. Navy)

1942 - USS Wasp (CV 7) is torpedoed by a Japanese submarine while operating in the Southwestern Pacific in support of forces on Guadalcanal. USS O'Brien (DD 415) and USS North Carolina (BB 55) are also struck by torpedoes from the same submarine. 1943 - USS Saufley (DD 465) and a Catalina Patrol Bomber piloted by Lt. W. J. Geritz from Patrol Squadron Twenty Three (VP 23) sinks the Japanese submarine RO-101 100 miles southeast of San Cristobal, Solomons. 1944 - USS Pampanito (SS 383) and USS Sealion (SS 315) rescue 73 British and 54 Australian POWs who survive the loss of Japanese freighter…

01 Sep 2016

This Day In Naval History: September 1

1800 - During the Quasi-War with France, the schooner, USS Experiment, commanded by Lt. Charles Stewart, captures the French privateer Deux Amix off Barbuda, West Indies. 1814 - The sloop-of-war, USS Wasp, commanded by Johnston Blakely, sinks the British brig sloop, HMS Avon, south of Ireland. 1925 - Cmdr. John Rodgers and a crew of four in a PN-9 aircraft run out of fuel on the first San Francisco to Hawaii flight. Landing at sea, they rig a sail and set sail for Hawaii. On Sept. 10, they are rescued by the submarine USS R-4, 10 miles from Kaui, then Territory of Hawaii. 1941 - The United States assumed responsibility for trans-Atlantic convoys from Argentia, Newfoundland, to the meridian of Iceland. 1942 - The United States Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet is established. Vice Adm.

31 Jul 2016

USS Carney Rescues 97 Migrants in Mediterranean

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) aided in the rescue of 97 migrants adrift in the Mediterranean Sea, July 29. Carney is forward deployed to Rota, Spain, and is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. Carney provided food and water to the migrants aboard the vessel before coordinating with a nearby merchant vessel to take them to safety. It also provided aid for the migrants until the SOS Mediterranee ship MS Aquarius arrived and took the migrants to safety. "Today Team Carney aided in the rescue of 97 migrants while operating in the Mediterranean Sea," stated Cmdr. Kenneth Pickard, commanding officer, USS Carney (DDG 64).

28 Jun 2016

This Day In Naval History: June 28

William M. Wood (Photo: U.S. Navy)

1776 - Army Col. William Moultries' troops defend Sullivans Island and Charleston, S.C. from an attack by British Commodore Sir Peter Parker and his fleet during the American Revolution. After a nine-hour battle with casualties mounting, Parker retreats. With Charleston saved, the fort is named in honor of Col. William Moultrie. 1814 - The sloop of war USS Wasp commanded by Johnston Blakeley, comes across HMS Reindeer, commanded by William Manners, off Plymouth, England, and engages in battle.

03 Jun 2016

This Day In Naval History: June 3

1785 - The order is given to sell the last ship remaining in the Continental Navy, the frigate Alliance. No other Navy ships are authorized until 1794. 1898 - During the Spanish-American War, the 8-man volunteer crew from USS Merrimac are taken as prisoners of war by the Spanish following a courageous attempt to sink the collier to obstruct navigation. For their extraordinary heroism during this operation, the men are awarded the Medal of Honor. 1942 - The Japanese start a two-day attack at Dutch Harbor, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, in an attempt to distract America from the Midway Island invasion. During the two-day invasion, 43 Americans die. 1949 - Midshipman Wesley A. Brown becomes the first African-American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. 1966 - Gemini 9 is launched.

09 May 2016

This Day In Naval History: May 9

USS Ashland (LSD 48) (U.S. Navy photo)

1860 - While off the Isle of Pines (now named Isla de la Juventud) near the south coast of Cuba, the screw gunboat Wyandotte captures the slaver William, which carries 570 Africans. 1926 - Lt. Cmdr. Richard E. Byrd and Chief Aviation Pilot Floyd Bennett report reaching the North Pole in their heavier-than-air-flight aircraft. Both receive the Medal of Honor for this event. 1942 - USS Wasp (CV 7) launches 47 RAF Spitfires, British carrier Eagle accompanies Wasp and launches 17 additional Spitfires.

28 Apr 2016

This Day In Naval History: April 28

Frank Knox (Official U.S. Navy Photograph)

1907 - A U.S. Marine Corps detachment from the patrol gunboat Paducah serves ashore at Laguna, Honduras, to protect Americans during a war between Honduras and Nicaragua. 1942 - The U.S. Navys Task Force 99, which consists of USS Wasp, USS Tuscaloosa and USS Wichita, plus four destroyers, sail from the Royal Navy base at Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, as part of the mixed U.S.-British force Distaff, to provide cover for Russian convoy at Iceland. 1944 - German torpedo boats attack U.S. Navy LST convoy in Lyme Bay during Operation Tiger training for the Normandy Invasion.

26 Apr 2016

This Day In Naval History: April 26

USNS Soderman (T-AKR-317) launching ceremony (Photo: NASSCO)

1860 - The screw steamship Mohawk captures the slaver Wildfire with 530 slaves on board in the Bahama Channel, taking them to a camp in Key West guarded by Mohawks Marines until returned home. 1869 - As a post-Civil War push for re-enlistments, the Good Conduct Medal, then called Good Conduct Badge, is authorized by Secretary of the Navy Adolphus E. Borie. 1918 - USS Stewart (DD 13) collides with an unidentified steamer near Brest, France. Just days earlier, Stewart crew members attacked a German submarine and saved the SS Florence H crew when she exploded internally.

20 Apr 2016

This Day In Naval History: April 20

Official U.S. Navy file photo of of the amphibious assault ship USS Saipan (LHA 2)

1861 - Union forces burn screw frigate Merrimack and Gosport Shipyard, Portsmouth, Va., to prevent Yard facilities and ships from falling into Confederate hands during the Civil War. 1914 - The first call-to-action of naval aviators is given, creating an aviation detachment of three pilots, 12 enlisted men, and three aircraft to join the Atlantic Fleet forces operating off Tampico during the Mexican crisis. 1942 - USS Wasp (CV 7) launches 47 British aircraft to reinforce Malta, repeating the exercise May 9.

08 May 2015

Resolve Hosts 'Damage Control Olympics'

Photo: Resolve Maritime Academy

The Resolve Maritime Academy hosted a day of maritime safety training exercises and competitive activities as part of the 13th Damage Control Olympics. Teams consisting of sailors and damage control service men and women competed against one another in a series of hands-on training exercises and shipboard emergency response scenarios, including interaction with live fire, smoke filled environments and a flooded ship chamber. Resolve Maritime Academy said it developed the Damage…

09 Jul 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: July 9

USS Wasp (Official U.S. Navy Photograph from the collections of the Naval Historical Center)

Today in U.S. Naval History - July 9 1846 - Sailors and Marines from USS Portsmouth occupy and raise flag over San Francisco. 1944 - Organized Japanese resistence ceases on Saipan, Marianas. 1960 - USS Wasp departs Guantanamo Bay to support United Nations effort to calm the newly independent Congo. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

03 Jul 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: June 3

USS Merrimac at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia in 1891 (Photograph from the Bureau of Ships Collection in the U.S. National Archives)

Today in U.S. 1785 - Order to sell last ship remaining in Continental Navy, frigate Alliance . No other Navy were ships authorized until 1794. 1898 - Collier Merrimac sunk in channel leading to Santiago, Cuba in unsuccessful attempt to trap Spanish fleet. The crew was captured and later received the Medal of Honor. 1949 - Wesley A. Brown becomes the first African-American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. 1966 - Launch of Gemini 9, piloted by L.Cdr. Eugene A. Cernan, USN. The mission included 45 orbits over three days. Recovery was by USS Wasp (CVS-18).

09 May 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: May 9

USS Wasp (CV-7). U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Today in U.S. Naval History - May 9 1926 - L.Cdr. Richard Byrd and Chief Machinist Mate Floyd Bennett make first flight over North Pole; both receive Congressional Medal of Honor. 1942 - USS Wasp in Mediterranean launches 47 Spitfire aircraft to help defend Malta For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

09 Jan 2014

BAE to Drydock 'USS Wasp'

USS Wasp: Photo credit USN

The Department of Defense has issued a $13,895,899 modification to a previously awarded Navy contract to BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Va., for the warship's dry-docking planned maintenance, which includes maintenance, alterations, and modifications. Work will be performed in Norfolk, Va., and is expected to be completed by November 2014. USS Wasp was built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She and her sister ships are the first specifically designed to accommodate new Landing Craft…

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