USS Wasp (LHD‑1) is a distinguished amphibious assault ship that has played a pivotal role in the United States Navy’s ability to project power and deliver rapid response in both combat and humanitarian operations. Commissioned in 1989 as the lead ship of the Wasp‑class, USS Wasp set new standards for multipurpose naval capabilities, combining advanced aviation facilities with the capacity to transport and deploy Marines and their equipment. A Storied History Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pas