USS Essex
MISSION
USS Essex (LHD 2) is the second ship to be commissioned in the WASP-class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships. The principle mission of Essex is to conduct prompt, sustained operations at sea, primarily as the centerpiece and flagship of the Amphibious Ready Group. LHDs provide the means to transport, deploy, command and support all elements of a Marine landing force of over 2,000 troops during an assault by air and amphibious craft.

Designed to be versatile, Essex has the option of simultaneously using helicopters, Harrier jets, and Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), as well as conventional landing craft and assault vehicles in various combinations. LHDs missions, while operating with an aircraft carrier battle group. 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.

In carrying out its primary mission, the 844-foot long, 44,000-ton Essex will transport and land ashore troops, tanks, trucks, artillery, and other supplies necessary to support an assault.
ABOUT THE SHIP
Keel Laid : March 20,1989
Christening: March 16, 1991
Commissioning: October 17, 1992 in San Diego, CA

  View additional ship specifications and other ships in the class.

 

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USS Essex
Current USS Essex
USS ESSEX (LHD 2) is America’s second Wasp class multi-purpose amphibious assault ship. ESSEX’s keel was laid on March 20, 1989, at Pascagoula, Miss.
 

 Namesake

 
Named after a town and county in Massachusetts
USS Essex is named after a town and county in Massachusetts which is significant because of the tie in with the people of Essex county in 1798 and the building of the first USS Essex.
 

 Unit Crest

 
USS Essex Ship Crest
USS Essex Ship Crest
 

 Previous ships named USS Essex

 
1st USS Essex
1st USS Essex
In order to protect interests to establish economic and political stability under the new constitution, Congress passed several acts to establish a token naval force; and on June 30, 1798, the act was passed which enabled the first ESSEX to be built.
2nd USS Essex
2nd USS Essex
The second ESSEX, an ironclad steamer, was built in 1856 for use as a ferry.
3rd USS Essex
3rd USS Essex
ESSEX saw action with the North and South Atlantic Squadrons and on the Pacific and Asian stations.
4th USS Essex
4th USS Essex
The fourth ESSEX was an aircraft carrier (CV 9) and was built as the lead ship in a class of World War II aircraft carriers.
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