User:Iceman0108/Sandbox/sandbox3

USS Essex (LHD-2)
History
NameUSS Essex
NamesakeEssex County, Massachusetts
Ordered10 September 1986
BuilderIngalls Shipbuilding
Laid down20 March 1989
Launched23 February 1991
Commissioned17 October 1992
HomeportSasebo, Japan
MottoTake Notice
Nickname(s)"The Iron Gator"
Statusin active service, as of 2008
Badge
General characteristics
Class and typeWasp-class amphibious assault ship
Displacement40,650 tons (full combat load)
Length844 ft (257 m)
Beam106 ft (32 m)
Draft28 ft (8.5 m) (full load)
PropulsionGeared steam turbines
Speed24+ knots
Boats & landing
craft carried
3 LCACs or 2 LCUs
Troops1,800
Complement73 officers, 1109 enlisted
ArmamentRAM, NATO Sea Sparrow, Mk 15 CIWS, .50-caliber M2HB machine gun
Aircraft carriedup to 36, including: UH-1N Huey, AH-1W Cobra, CH-53 Super Stallion, CH-46 Sea Knight, MH-60 Seahawk, AV-8B Harrier