# USS Wasp enhances deterrence in the Mediterranean Sea

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/07/uss-wasp-enhances-deterrence-in-the-mediterranean-sea/
- Published: 2024-07-15T08:32:45+01:00
- Author: Darek Liam

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The US European Command recently announced that the USS Wasp (LHD 1), an amphibious
assault ship, has entered the Mediterranean Sea. This deployment coincides with 
[rising tensions](https://www.military.africa/2024/04/iranian-quds-2-cruise-missile-lands-in-sudan/)
between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.

The USS Wasp, along with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), has 
been strategically positioned in the US Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF)
area. Its mission is to enhance operational capabilities by facilitating ship-to-
shore movement via helicopters and landing craft.

Sabrina Singh, deputy press secretary for the Pentagon, emphasized that the Wasp’s
relocation serves to promote regional stability and act as an additional deterrent
in the area. The ship’s flexibility and capabilities provide valuable support to
the regional commander.

 The vessel can accommodate three Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCAC), 12 Landing 
Craft Mechanized (LCM) platforms, or 40 Amphibious Armored Vehicles (AAVs). It also
boasts nine helicopter spots on the flight deck, capable of handling rotorcraft 
like the CH-53 Super Stallion or MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor.

 With a 1,858m² vehicle deck, the Wasp can carry M1 Abrams tanks, M198 howitzers,
trucks, and other support vehicles used by the MEU. Additionally, it offers 2,860m
² of cargo space and a hospital facility with 68 beds and six operating theaters.

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 The Wasp-class ships are armed with two Mk29 launchers for RIM-7 Sea Sparrow Missiles,
two Mk49 launchers for longer-range RIM-117 RAM defense, three Phalanx CIWS, and
four 25mm Mk38 chain guns for short-range protection. Sensor systems include the
Mk36 SRBOC chaff and decoy launcher, AN/SLQ-25 torpedo decoy, and AN/SLQ-32 EW suite.

 The ship features AN/SPS-48E E/F band 3D air search radar, AN/SPS-49(V)9 C/D band
secondary air search radar, AN/SPN-43 air search radar, AN/SPS-67 G band primary
navigation radar, and the Mk23 target acquisition system.

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Despite its military role, the US emphasizes a commitment to diplomatic solutions.
Singh clarified that the Wasp’s presence aims to deter aggression and de-escalate
tensions in the region.

In addition to its deterrence role, the USS Wasp can serve as a transport vessel
and evacuation platform if the Israel-Lebanon situation escalates.

The Wasp-class ships will gradually be replaced the America-class Landing Helicopter
Assault ships, the estimated phase-out date is 2029.

The USS Wasp, alongside the USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) and USS New York (LPD-21), constitutes
the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit (ARG/MEU). Deployed
from the East Coast on June 1, this force supports US, Allied, and partner interests
in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF oversees US naval forces in the European
Command and Africa Command areas of responsibility, with the US 6th Fleet playing
a vital role in joint and naval operations.

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