When reporting to the ship for the first time you are required to be in a clean, proper, and complete uniform with your original orders. In addition to your orders, bring a copy of an updated Record of Emergency Data (commonly known as a "Page 2") and a filled out Serviceman’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) form as these documents will be needed by the Ship’s Office (you may obtain these documents from your local Personnel Support Detachment, PSD prior to departing for AT). You should report no later than 0730 on the day stipulated on your orders. If reporting while the ship is in port, enlisted personnel will report via the "afterbrow," usually the ramp leading from the pier to either a sponson deck or one of the aft aircraft elevators (if reporting to a carrier). Officers will report via the "officers brow" leading to the Quarterdeck. Note: only larger ships, such as aircraft carriers and large amphibious ships, have two brows. Also, the officer’s brow is not always the forward one (e.g., it is aft on all Nimitz class carriers). Cruisers and all smaller ships usually will have one brow. Be sure to find out before hand how the ship you will report to is configured.

All Navy ships fly the national ensign (i.e., the United States Flag) from the stern while not actually underway. Remember to stop at the top of the brow, face aft and salute prior to reaching the Quarterdeck when coming aboard during daylight hours. In this case, "daylight hours" range from 0800 to sundown, local time. Hence, there is no need to salute the ensign if reporting aboard at 0730. Have your I.D. card and orders ready. Upon reaching the Quarterdeck, salute, and say "request permission to come aboard, sir." In some cases, the person manning the watch may be junior to you or in some cases, may not even be an officer. Nevertheless, call him or her "sir" as they represent the authority of the ship’s commanding officer. Hold the salute until you receive permission to board, then step to the side to present your orders to the Junior Officer of the Watch (JOOW) or Junior Officer Of the Deck (JOOD). Make sure the original copy of your orders is signed with the time and date you reported aboard by the JOOD or Petty Officer of the Watch.

Most ships will have a designated collateral duty Reserve Liaison Officer (RLO) or equivalent individual. After signing your orders, a member of the Quarterdeck detail will contact the RLO who will act as your initial contact and guide. This individual will most likely accompany you through the process of checking onto the ship. The usual first step is a visit to the ship’s personnel office where your orders will be processed. In addition to your original orders, the ship’s office will also ask for a copy of your Page 2 and SGLI Forms. Remember to retain a copy of your original orders and keep them on your person at all times during your AT.

Decks above the main deck are numbered 01, 02, 03, etc. and are referred to as levels. Below the main deck, there are the first, second, third decks, etc. (remember, on a carrier the hangar deck, the one below the flight deck, is the main deck.). Frame numbers tell you where you are in relation to the bow of the ship; the numbers increase as you go aft. The third number in the bull’s-eye reflects compartmentation numbers in relation to the ship’s centerline. EVEN numbers are to PORT, and ODD numbers are to STARBOARD. The numbers increase as you travel outboard. The last letter stamped on the compartmentation number indicates what the compartment is used for. Below are some typical codes:

Officers and chiefs normally have head of the line privileges at the ship’s store, check cashing, sick call and dental spaces. Although this is a traditional privilege, this privilege is not always exercised. Sometimes two lines are formed: one for enlisted and one for officers and CPOs. In the case of the ship’s store, there might be a line, or lines, to get in (due to the small size of the store’s compartment). Ask your ship’s guide about normal ship’s procedures and policies.

The purpose of general quarters is to prepare the ship to fight, both offensive and defensive operations, as quickly as possible. You need to report to your assigned G.Q. station or work center as quickly as practical. A fast walk should be sufficient to get you there safely. The flow of traffic is generally "up and forward on the starboard side—down and aft on the port side." Travel against the flow of traffic is dangerous and should be avoided.

The condition of readiness required for a ship to go into combat is "Condition Zebra." This means the ship is "buttoned up" in all watertight compartments to insure integrity and prevent the spread of fires. This is why you need to get to your G.Q station before the doors and hatches are slammed shut.

Proper uniform for G.Q. is sleeves rolled down and buttoned (jacket on over short sleeves), pants legs tucked into your socks or taped at the ankles, and the collar of your shirt buttoned. Flash hoods and gloves are also becoming standards aboard many ships. In some departments you may be required to wear a steel helmet and flotation device. Also, gas masks are often required during advanced drills (G.Q., Man Overboard, and Fire).

Note: during G.Q., some intelligence personnel may be required to leave their G.Q. spaces in order to transmit intelligence data to other parts of the ship. This may involve opening and closing the watertight doors between compartments. Should you be required to do this, you must call the Damage Control spaces and inform them of your route of travel prior to departing (e.g., from CVIC to the Flag spaces).

Routes of travel are the same as for G.Q. when "All hands muster" is called away. You must muster by sight with your respective shop, work center, or division to insure an accurate muster for crew accountability. You will normally be assigned to the Operations Department. If you are on a carrier, you should be assigned to the CVIC/OZ division for mustering purposes (the OZ division is responsible for day-to-day operations of the CVIC—ship’s departments and divisions will be discussed in Module 6). Report for "All hands muster" as expeditiously as possible to avoid having your name called out over the 1MC (the ship’s public address system).

The prospect of Man Overboard is very serious. The "All hands muster" call assists in identifying who might be missing. Some XOs have even been known to "kidnap" one or more of the ship’s personnel and then call an "All hands" in order to test the process. Needless to say, should a "kidnapped" person be reported as mustered (either by well-meaning work center colleagues or by mistake) serious repercussions will ensue.

The event of fire aboard ship is one of the most serious dangers faced by embarked personnel during both combat situations and peacetime. As a reservist, try to complete both Damage Control and Fire Fighting training prior to reporting aboard for AT (both schools are available on drill weekends for reservists in major fleet areas). Should you find yourself in a position to assist ship’s personnel in a fire situation and you have the required training experience, do so. Otherwise, get out of the way. For information on DC and Fire Fighting Schools, talk to your unit AT coordinator, Reserve Intelligence Program Officer (RIPO) or Naval Air Reserve (NAVAIRES) Training Department. Also, review the appropriate sections of a current edition of the Blue Jacket’s Manual.

If assigned to a carrier, the flight deck offers a unique source of fascination and entertainment for those who have never witnessed flight operations. Personnel who work on the flight deck receive monthly hazardous duty pay, which should be some indication of how dangerous a job it is. Going up on the flight deck or catwalks during flight operations is prohibited regardless of rank. An easy, and unobtrusive, way to watch flight operations is via the Pilot’s Landing Aid Television (PLAT) system. There are several (usually four to five) television cameras that cover the entire flight deck. Continuous views of landings and launches can be seen on any 9TV (SCCTV) or 14TV (ship’s entertainment TV system) monitor around the ship. If you want to watch flight operations other than on the PLAT system, an excellent place to do so is "Vulture’s Row" located on the island superstructure around the 09 or 010 level. It is likely that you will receive a tour of the flight deck and "Vulture’s Row" when reporting aboard with your CVIC guide. Initially, do not visit either of these areas unless you have received a tour first. Vulture’s Row offers an unobstructed view of both aircraft launches and recoveries. Picture taking is allowed but remember that using a flash at night is strictly prohibited. While perched on Vulture’s Row, be sure to remove your cover and all the small items from your shirt pockets and remember to wear some form of ear protection!

As a member of the CVIC team, you may be required to report to Vulture’s Row or the Signal Bridge, as part of the sighting team (also known as the "Snoopy" or "Big Eyes" teams). As mentioned above, the sighting team is called away to photograph and identify foreign military or commercial ships of interest as well as aircraft coming into contact with the carrier battlegroup. Exposed film is then developed by the Photo Lab and returned to the CVIC team for analysis.

An excellent opportunity to get up on the flight deck to remind yourself there really is a sun is during FOD walk-downs. FOD is the acronym for Foreign Object Damage, the small bits and pieces of debris, nuts, bolts, wire clippings, etc. that can get sucked into a jet engine and cause thousands of dollars damage or possibly even cause a plane to crash. FOD walk-downs are usually held before the start of each major flight evolution.

The Ship’s Plan of the Day lists information pertaining to next days routine, special drills, uniform of the day, etc., and is posted throughout the ship. You are responsible for knowing what is in the POD for the day. Carry a copy of the Plan-of-the-Day with you. It is usually available the night before in the wardroom or mess hall.

On carriers, most recreational and some workspaces have a television monitor which is part of the ship’s television system (smaller ships may not have a television system). In most cases, three channels are available which offer programming in a twelve-hour cycle. The first carries recently released motion pictures. The second typically shows network programs such as sitcoms and series. The third channel offers training programming (e.g., safety, damage control, enlisted rate training, etc.) for ship’s personnel. Some extra channels may be hooked up to live CNN feeds through the use of an onboard satellite dish. Another extra channel may show activity on the flight deck via the PLAT cameras mounted in the ship’s stern and flight deck itself.

Most ships also have a designated area where the crew can view movies (e.g., a large screen TV in a special area). Most officer wardrooms have a TV with a VCR and a library of movies on tape. Check to see what entertainment opportunities exist on the ship you are assigned to.

During your period of AT, it is possible that the ship will visit a port (foreign or domestic). Tradition requires that you obtain permission from the OOD to leave the ship (in the same fashion that you obtained permission to board originally). When requesting permission to leave, present your ID card and have a copy of your orders with you. Before making your way to the Quarterdeck, obtain permission to leave from your supervisor. Formal permission to leave the ship is requested in the following manner:

When going ashore by launch, junior officers always board first and take the forward seats. Senior officers and VIPs take the rear seats of the launch. Disembarking the launch is done in the reverse order; namely, seniors leave first followed by juniors.

Destroyer (DD/DDG)—Most modern destroyers are optimized for a particular warfare task, such as USW, AW or SUW; typically, they also have some capability to conduct the other two as well. DDG indicates the destroyer can fire guided missiles.

Frigate (FF/FFG)—The main mission of the frigates is USW, although they usually have some capability for conducting AW and SUW. FFG indicates the frigate can fire guided missiles.

Eleven carrier battlegroups and one training carrier operate in the fleet. At the core of each group, reporting directly to the battlegroup commander, is a permanently assigned carrier (CV or CVN), carrier air wing (CVW), a carrier group (CARGRU), a cruiser/destroyer group (CRUDESGRU), and a tactical destroyer squadron (TACDESRON). Submarine support for each battlegroup usually consists of one or two nuclear powered attack submarines (SSNs). The summary of a typical carrier battlegroup follows below:

Defense: Four NATO Sea Sparrow, three to four 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS).

The Nimitz class nuclear powered aircraft carrier is the largest, most powerful, capable aircraft carrier class in the world. The general arrangement of these ships is similar to the previous Kitty Hawk class with respect to flight deck, hangar, elevators, and island structure, e.g., the island is aft of the Number 1 and 2 elevators, with the Number 4 elevator on the port side aft of the angled deck and opposite the Number 3 elevator (see illustration below). The angled deck is canted to port at 9°3’ and is almost 800 feet long. The general excellence of the Nimitz design precluded major changes to later ships in the class. CVN-71 and subsequent ships incorporate improved magazine protection; CVN-73 and later ships feature improved topside ballistic protection; CVN-74 and later ships are constructed with HSLA-100 steel. There are eight ships of this class commissioned in various states of readiness, and one under construction.

Figure 3.1. Nimitz Class CVN Top View.*

Figure 3.2. Nimitz Class CVN Side View.

The U.S.S. John C. Stennis (CVN-74), the seventh of the class, was commissioned in 1996. The eighth of the class and the newest aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy, the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), was commissioned in July 1998. The final ship of the class, U.S.S. Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) is also under construction and is scheduled to be commissioned in 2008.

Defense: Three NATO Sea Sparrow, three 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS).

Figure 3.3. Enterprise Class CVN Top View.

Figure 3.4. Enterprise Class CVN Side View.

Built to a modified Forrestal class design, Enterprise was the world’s second nuclear-powered warship (the cruiser Long Beach (CGN-9) was completed a few months earlier). The first of the eight reactors installed achieved initial criticality on 2 December 1960, shortly after the carrier was launched. After three years of operation during which she steamed more than 207,000 miles, Enterprise was refueled from November 1964 to July 1965. Her second set of cores provided about 300,000 miles steaming. Refueled again in 1970 the third set of cores lasted for eight years until replaced in 1979-82 overhaul. There are two reactors for each of the ship’s four shafts. The eight reactors feed 32 heat exchangers. Aviation facilities include four deck edge lifts, two forward and one each side abaft the island. There are four 295 foot C-13 Mod 1 catapults. Hangars cover 216,000 sq. ft with 25-ft deck head. The Enterprise carries 8,500 tons of aviation fuel (12 days flight operations). She recently completed a fourth refueling.

Defense: Three NATO Sea Sparrow, three 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS).

Figure 3.5. Kitty Hawk Class CV Top View.

Figure 3.6. Kitty Hawk Class CV Side View.

These carriers are based on an improved Forrestal class design featuring improved elevator and flight deck arrangement. Both Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and Constellation (CV-64) were modernized recently under the service life extension program (SLEP), which extends their projected service life fifteen years beyond their original thirty year service life. America (CV-66) will not be upgraded and probably will be decommissioned in 1996. These ships are larger than those of the Forrestal class and have two elevators forward of the island structure and portside elevator on the stern quarter rather than at the forward end of the angled flight deck.

Note: The John F. Kennedy has a number of modifications not inherent to the Kitty Hawk class and is therefore referred to as its own class.

Power Plant: Four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines; two shafts, 80,000 shaft horsepower total.

Weapons: Tomahawk land attack and anti-ship missiles, eight Harpoon SSMs, ASROCs, SM-2MR SAMs, two 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS), two Mk 45 127mm (5 inch) DP guns, six MK-46 torpedoes (two triple launchers).

Figure 3.8. Ticonderoga (AEGIS) Class CG Side View.

Note: this view shows the external twin Mk 26 Mod 1 launchers on CG-47through CG-51.

Ticonderoga class guided missile cruisers are the world’s most capable air warfare (AW) ships, developed to provide extensive carrier battlegroup defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles. There are twenty-seven ships of this class active in varying states of readiness (CG-47 through CG-73) and are the only remaining U.S. Navy cruisers remaining in active service. Built to a modified Spruance class destroyer design, they are equipped with the state-of-the-art SPY-1 phased array radar system that forms part of the AEGIS AW weapon system. For this reason, they often are referred to as AEGIS class cruisers and form the backbone of the AW mission for battlegroups they are assigned to. Additionally, these ships have major undersea warfare (USW) and strike capabilities. The wide array of weaponry carried, including surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs), anti-submarine rockets (ASROCs), five-inch deck guns, 20mm Phalanx, and embarked LAMPS III helicopter, make these ships among the most versatile in the Navy.

The first six ships of the class (CG-47 through CG-52) have two external twin Mk 26 Mod 1 launchers for the Standard SM-2MR SAM. Subsequent ships have two 61-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) capable of firing the SM-2MR, the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM), and anti-submarine rockets (ASROC).

At least eight ships of this class fired in excess of one hundred Tomahawk land attack missiles at targets in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and the period immediately after. One of these ships, the U.S.S. Princeton (CG-59), struck an Iraqi bottom-laid influence mine on 19 February 1991. Although she took damage to her hull, her AEGIS weapon system remained operational. She was subsequently towed to Dubai, UAE for repairs.

Weapons: Four Harpoon SSMs, eighty SM-1MR SAMs, two 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS), two Mk 45 127 mm (5 inch) DP guns, eight ASROCs, four MK-32 torpedoes (single launcher).

Figure 3.10. California Class CGN Side View.

This was the first class of nuclear-propelled surface warships intended for series production. These ships essentially are nuclear-propelled version of guided missile designs proposed in the early 1960s. They have the older SM-1 series SAM on single arm, Mk13 Mod 3 launchers (fore and aft), two 5 inch guns (fore and aft), anti-ship capability with Harpoon SSMs, and USW capability with ASROCs, These do not carry TLAMs. Both of the remaining two ships of this class remain in commission, but are being held in a reserve status in a stand down status.

Power Plant: Four General Electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines; two shafts, 100,000 total shaft horsepower.

Aircraft: None. LAMPS III electronics installed on landing deck for coordinated DDG 51/helo USW operations.

Weapons: 90-cell VLS for TLAM, ASROC, SM-2MR. Eight Harpoon SSMs, two 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS), one Mk 45 127mm (5 inch) DP Gun, six MK-32 torpedo (two triple launchers).

Figure 3. 11. Arleigh Burke Class DDG Side View.

There are twenty-two ships in commission with seven more building (a total of forty ships are planned). The Arleigh Burke class will form the backbone of the U.S. destroyer fleet for the twenty-first century. The class features the AEGIS AW system and an all steel hull construction following lessons learned from the devastating Exocet SSM attacks on the H.M.S. Sheffield, during the Falklands War, and the U.S.S. Stark (FFG-31) in 1987 in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, all hull exterior surfaces employ stealth design techniques such as angled construction to minimize radar cross section. It is also the first class of U.S. Navy ship with an integrated system for defense against the fallout associated with NBC warfare. Like their larger Ticonderoga class cousins, this class also employs the SPY-1D phased array radar fire control system for use with up to ninety SM-2MR surface-to-air missiles. The class also is equipped to handle, fuel and rearm SH-60B/F helicopters but do not have any on board hanger capacity. Later ships of the Flight II variant in this class (DDG-68+) will include a number of combat capability improvements such as the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), Tactical Information Exchange Subsystem (TADIXS), upgraded sonar, and the SM-2MR Block-4 SAM.

Power Plant: Four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines, two shafts, 80,000 shaft horsepower.

Aircraft: Two SH-60 Seahawk LAMPS III helicopters.

Weapons: Eight TLAM (two quad launchers) in seven ships, 61-cell VLS for TLAM and ASROC in twenty-four ships, eight Harpoon SSMs (two quad Mk 141 canisters), twenty-four NATO Sea Sparrow, two 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS), two Mk 45 127mm (5 inch) DP Guns, six MK-32 torpedoes (two triple launchers).

Figure 3.12. Spruance Class DDG--Side View.

Note: this view shows the external Mk 16 ASROC launcher aft of the forward 5-inch gun (replaced on later units with Mk 41 VLS).

Spruance class DDGs originally were built as specialized USW ships, with only point defense missiles in the AW role. They have subsequently been provided with anti-ship and strike capability using Harpoon SSMs and TLAM, respectively. Other improvements include the installation of a Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) capable of firing SM-2MRs, TLAM, and ASROCs, upgrade of the electronic warfare suite to SLQ 32V(2), LAMPS III recovery system, the Halon 1301 fire fighting system and improved anti-missile and target acquisition systems.

Of note, SM-2MR surface-to-air missiles fired by Mk 41 VLS equipped vessels can be controlled by separate AEGIS fitted vessels such as Ticonderoga class CGs and Arleigh Burke class DD-s, thus further increasing battlegroup AW capability.

Five ships of this class fired over one hundred TLAMs at targets in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. The U.S.S. Paul F. Foster (DDG-964) fired the first TLAM and hence the "opening shot" of the Gulf War on 17 January 1991. The U.S.S. Fife (DDG-991) fired sixty TLAMs, virtually emptying her sixty-one cell Mk 41 VLS.

Power Plant: Four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines, two shafts, 80,000 shaft horsepower.

Aircraft: One SH-2F LAMPS.

Weapons: Eight Harpoon SSM (two quad launchers), sixty-eight SM-2MR SAM (two twin Mk 26 Mod 0/1 launchers) ASROC, two 20mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS), two Mk 45 127mm (5 inch) DP Guns, six MK-32 torpedo (two triple launchers).

Figure 3.13. Kidd “Ayatollah” Class DDG--Side View.

Originally designed for the Royal Iranian Navy, the U.S. Navy acquired the ships in July 1979 after the fall of the shah (for this reason they are often referred to as the "Ayatollah class"). The fours ships of this class are the most powerful multi-purpose destroyers in the fleet. Specific capabilities include AW (using SM-2MR SAMs), USW (using LAMPS-I helicopter, ASROCs, torpedoes, and sonar), and SUW (using octuple Harpoon launcher and two Mk 45 five inch guns). Additionally, these ships feature advanced air-intake and filtration systems in order to handle dust and sand prevailing in Persian Gulf operating area as well as greater air-conditioning capacity. The Kidd features a distinctive pale gray paint scheme for operations in the Persian Gulf. Both the Kidd and Scott took part in Operation Desert Storm. Only one ship of this class remains active U.S. Navy service. The remaining three ships of this class, the USS Kidd (DDG-993), USS Callaghan (DDG-994), and USS Scott (DDG-995) are scheduled for transfer to a foreign navy under the Security Assistance Program (SAP).

Aircraft: One SH-2F LAMPS (FFG- 7, 9-27,30, 31,34), two SH-60B LAMPS III (FFG- 8,28,29,32,33,36-61).

Weapons: Up to forty Harpoon and SM-1MR (one single Mk 13 Mod 4 launcher), one 20 mm Vulcan Phalanx (CIWS), one OTO Melara 76mm gun, six MK-46 torpedoes (two triple launchers).

Figure 3.14. Oliver Hazard Perry Class FFG Side View.

There are a total of fifty-one ships built for this class, but only 39 ships remain in active naval service. Ten of these ships are part of the Naval Reserve force. The Perry class FFG forms a capable USW platform with the LAMPS-III helicopter onboard. The Mk 13 Mod 4 missile launcher provides secondary AW and SUW capability. Ships of this class are often referred to as "FFG-7" (pronounced FIG-7) after the lead ship, U.S.S. Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7). Of note, two ships of this class suffered heavy damage while patrolling in the Persian Gulf. On 17 May 1987, two Iraqi fired Exocet SSMs hit the U.S.S. Stark (FFG-31), one of which detonated near berthing spaces resulting in heavy loss of life. On 14 April 1988 the U.S.S. Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58) struck a mine which detonated an estimated 250 pounds of TNT. The explosion heavily damaged propulsion systems and blew a nine-foot hole under the keel. In both attacks, the ships suffered intense fires aggravated by the all aluminum construction of the hull. Nevertheless, exceptional damage control efforts carried out by their crews kept both ships on the surface and enabled them to reach friendly ports in the Persian Gulf. The Stark returned to the United States on her own power and underwent repairs. The Roberts was transported to the United States on the Dutch-flag heavy-lift ship, Mighty Servant 2.

Complement: LCC-19; 780 (19 officers) + 170 flag staff. LCC-20; 777 (50 officers) + 193 flag staff.

Weapons: Four 76.2 mm DP guns, two Mk 25 Sea Sparrow launchers, two 20 mm Mk 15 Vulcan Phalanx.

Aircraft: none embarked, stern helicopter deck capable of accommodating any helicopter except CH-53.

Figure 3.17. Blue Ridge Class LCC Side View.

The LCC is an amphibious command ship. There are two ships in this class. LCC 19 is the flagship of the forward deployed Seventh Fleet in the western Pacific. LCC 20 is flagship of the Second Fleet in the Atlantic. The ships have a good cruising speed of 20 knots as well as excellent satellite communications and analysis systems as befits command ships. Embarked craft include two LCVP landing craft and one 10 meter personnel launch carried in Welin davits. There is no helicopter hanger but a rear landing pad can accommodate large helicopters such as the CH-53. The LCC is based on the Iwo Jima class described above. Both ships feature air conditioned spaces and fin-stabilizers. The ships differ from the Iwo Jima class in that they have a large central superstructure vice an island. There are prominent fore and aft communications masts.

Weapons: Four 76.2 mm DP guns, two Mk 25 Sea Sparrow launchers, two 20 mm Mk 15 Vulcan Phalanx, four to eight 12.7 mm machine guns.

Aircraft: embarked CH-46 Sea Knights, CH-53 Sea Stallions, UH-1 Iroquois and AH-1 Sea Cobras (can also carry RH-53/MH-53 minesweeping helicopters or AV-8B Sea Harrier).

Figure 3.16. Iwo Jima Class LPH Side View.

The LPH is an amphibious assault helicopter carrier. Like most amphibious assault ships (see below) the LPH has the general appearance of a conventional aircraft carrier including an island superstructure, straight flight deck and associated aircraft elevators. Unique to the LPH is its folding side elevator located forward to port; and one to starboard, aft of the island. The ship features excellent medical facilities including a 300 bed hospital. LPH 9 has an Air-Surface Classification and Analysis Center (ASCAC). LPH-12 carries two LCVP landing craft in side davits. There are seven of these ships active commissioned between 1961 and 1970. They are named in honor of famous Marine Corps amphibious assaults. None of these ships remain in U.S. Naval Service. One ship of this class, the USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7), has been retained by the Navy for use as a museum.

Weapons: Two Mk 45 127 mm (5 inch) DP Guns, two Vulcan Phalanx (20 mm), six Mk 67 AA 20 mm guns.

Aircraft: embarked CH-46 Sea Knights, CH-53 Sea Stallions, and UH-1 Iroquois.

Figure 3.18. Tarawa Class LHA Side View.

The LHA is a multi-purpose assault transport, combining many of the characteristics of the LPH and LHD configurations. The ship has the general profile of an aircraft carrier with its superstructure starboard, straight flight deck, helicopter elevators to port (folding) and aft, as well as a large well deck for accommodating landing craft. In addition to aircraft and landing craft, the LHA can carry substantial amounts of palatalized cargo, dry stores, and 1,200 tons of JP-5 fuel. The boilers are the largest ever installed on a U.S. Navy warship and are highly automated. Communications systems include SATCOM as well as long range HF. The entire ship is air conditioned. This class also features a 300 bed hospital. There are a total of five ships in this class:

Weapons: Three Vulcan Phalanx (20 mm), six Mk 67 AA 20 mm guns, two Mk 29 Sea Sparrow launchers.

Aircraft: embarked CH-46 Sea Knight (Assault), CH-53 Sea Stallion (Assault), AV-8B Harrier (VSTOL), SH-60B Sea Hawks (USW).

Figure 3.19. Wasp Class LHD Side View.

The Wasp class LHD is based on the LHA 1 class described above, but is intended to be convertible from an assault ship to an USW ship with embarked LAMPS helicopters. Like the LHA class, it resembles an aircraft carrier with a straight flight deck, aircraft elevators, and Starboard Island superstructure. It also has a stern mounted well deck for landing craft. The omission of 5 inch guns for and aft results in a "squared off" flight deck. The LHD can carry 1,200 tons of JP-5 jet fuel and copious amounts of dry and palatalized cargo. The ship accommodates three large 200 bed hospitals.

Missiles: Tomahawk Land Attack Missile including nuclear, conventional, and submunitions variants (TLAM-N/C/D), Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile (TASM), and Harpoon.

Figure 3.20. Los Angeles Class SSN Side View.

There are a total of eighty-five boats active in this class (SSN-688 through SSN-773) with four more scheduled for commissioning. Those boats from SSN-719 onward are known as the "Improved" Los Angeles class. They are equipped with a Vertical Launch System (VLS), placing 12 Tomahawk-capable launch tubes forward and external to the pressure hull. Additionally, dive planes are mounted on the bow (vice sail) for under-ice operations.

The Los Angeles class SSN is the finest attack submarine in the world and features superior quieting technology coupled with versatile weapons systems ranging from traditional torpedoes to land attack cruise missiles. The Los Angeles class SSN performs a number of important missions including USW, SUW (firing Harpoons), Strike (using TLAMs), and general carrier battlegroup support.

A number of third world countries are acquiring modern state-of-the-art non-nuclear submarines, potentially posing a threat to deployed carrier battlegroups. The SSN supports battlegroup operations by providing USW detection and sanitization, intelligence collection, special forces delivery, surface warfare, and strike warfare. During Operation Desert Storm, two Los Angeles class SSNs launched TLAM missiles at targets in Iraq.

Missiles: Tomahawk Land Attack Missile including nuclear, conventional, and submunitions variants (TLAM-N/C/D), Tomahawk Anti-Ship Missile (TASM), and Harpoon.

Figure 3.21. Sturgeon Class SSN Silhouette.

There are four of this class still in active naval service. The Sturgeon class is slightly smaller than the Los Angeles class and slightly larger than the older Permit class. Despite their age, boats of the Sturgeon class will continue to play an important part of the Navy’s USW program until the end of the century. In addition to the traditional role of USW, the Sturgeon also performs SUW and Strike. Several Sturgeons have been modified to carry both Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) as well as Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs)

Weapons: two Vulcan Phalanx, NATO Sea Sparrow (Mk 29 octuple launcher).

Figure 3.22. Sacramento Class AOE Side View

This type of auxiliary is typical of the ships used by the battlegroup for underway replenishment of petroleum, munitions, provisions, and fleet freight. Two embarked UH-46E Sea Knight helicopters provide vertical replenishment (VERTREP) capability. Long suspended fuel lines provide underway replenishment (UNREP) capability of fuel. This class consists of four units.

As mentioned earlier, the carrier air wing forms the primary offensive capability of the deployed carrier battlegroup. The air wing is a balanced force that performs a multitude of missions for the battlegroup commander. These include fleet air defense, attack and strike missions, early airborne warning, electronic warfare, SUW, USW, AW, and day-to-day logistics. The air wing is a self-contained unit with its own commanding officer and administrative support (air wing organization will be discussed in Module 6). Listed below is a typical carrier air wing (CVW). Note that it contains both fixed and variable wing aircraft of different class and capability. Actual CVW compositions may vary.

Figure 3.25. F/A-18E Hornet Front and Side Views.*