The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG), successfully transited the Strait of Gibraltar on June 26, 2024, and entered the Mediterranean Sea, according to a press release from the U.S. Navy.
This move reunites the Wasp with the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious landing dock ship USS Oak Hill, which had crossed the strait earlier on June 18.
Captain Nakia Cooper, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4, was quoted in the press release, stating, “Our ability to operate effectively as a distributed force gives the ARG-MEU that flexibility. Each of our ships is capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations on their own, but there is no substitute for the type of combat power we bring to the fight when we constitute as an Amphibious Ready Group.”
The USS Wasp’s presence in the Mediterranean marks its first operation in the region since relocating from Sasebo, Japan, to Norfolk, Virginia, in 2019.
Following this move, the ship underwent extensive maintenance and a comprehensive pre-deployment training program, culminating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise that certified the vessel and its embarked commands for deployment.
Captain Chris “Chewie” Purcell, Wasp’s commanding officer, was quoted in the press release, saying, “Wasp is truly the number one ship in the fleet. We’ve all worked tirelessly to reach this point. I am grateful for the energy our Sailors and Marines bring to the fight each day and confident they will meet every challenge head-on over the coming months.”
The Wasp ARG, which includes the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the USS Oak Hill, along with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is set to collaborate with allied and partner maritime forces in the region.
We aim to deliver accurate and timely news on defence matters at the UK Defence Journal. We rely on the support of readers like you to maintain our independence and high-quality journalism. Please consider making a one-off donation to help us continue our work. Click here to donate. Thank you for your support!
To sign up for our newsletter, click here
Rumour had it that the Wasp was to stand in for the Eisenhower which badly needs resting-ship and crew. Also it was suggested that perhaps the RN or French would lend a hand. It would be a nice gesture for a US ally to assist although fears were expressed about the RN’s ability to protect the QE or PoW. Imagine if one of the QE’s took a hit or worse!!
It looks like the Eisenhower is already heading home, and that USS Theodore Roosevelt will sail over to 5th fleet from her current deployment in the Pacific to fill in as USS Harry S. Truman works up for a scheduled Med deployment later this summer. The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group can definitely help fill in, with the usual caveat that LHDs are limited in capability when compared to dedicated aircraft carriers.
Thanks for info Paul
Thought the Wasp was to station off Gaza, although it could certainly do some good in the Red Sea if necessary.
Hi Jon. I think that is correct but I read that if the Carrier swap could not be done simultaneously, the Wasp might stand in until the replacement arrived
Nice bit of kit has always 🇺🇸