USS Wasp Marks 35 Years of Naval Dominance

From a maiden deployment in 1991 and emergency deployments to Somalia and Kuwait in 1993, the USS Wasp (LHD 1) has been a leading force in emergency response since her commissioning. Throughout her first decade of service, Wasp participated in Operation Restore Hope, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and key humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts throughout Central and South America. In 2007, Wasp became the first ship to deploy the MV-22B Osprey, and in 2011, she received flight deck modifications for the F-35B Lightning. While forward deployed in Sasebo, Japan in 2018, Wasp served as the first operational shipboard deployment for the F-35B.

Fast-forward to 2024, the amphibious assault ship celebrated its 35th birthday while steaming in the Mediterranean Sea during a scheduled deployment. This milestone allowed the crew to pause and reflect on the ship’s significant achievements over the years.

“Wasp is recognized as one of the most lethal and versatile ships on the waterfront because she’s always had the best crews in the fleet,” said Capt. Christopher Purcell, Wasp’s commanding officer. “Every Sailor and Marine on Wasp is a true American hero for today’s Navy.” Purcell expressed gratitude to the crew for maintaining the ship’s mission-ready status and acknowledged all past Wasp Sailors for their contributions to national security.

“This birthday marks the 35th year since the ship commissioned and is the 10th ship to bear the name Wasp,” added Purcell. “I’m proud to serve with each and every one of you and be part of a ship with such time-honored tradition.”

During the ceremony on the ship’s mess decks, the youngest and oldest Sailors were given the honor of cutting a custom birthday cake, crafted by Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Hayden Clark.

“It’s my third year aboard Wasp, and to see it come out of the yards and into deployment makes me extremely proud,” said Clark.

Following the ceremony, the crew enjoyed a specially prepared lunch featuring chicken and beef kabobs, gyros, fried cabbage, garlic roasted potato wedges, and macaroni salad.

“I’m ecstatic to be part of the crew and along for the ship’s journey through history,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Norie Roberson. “This birthday is special because we’re on deployment and the entire crew is able to celebrate together.”

Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Isaiah Climes, who helped prepare the special meal, expressed his pride in contributing to the significant anniversary.

“I’m happy to do something I love to do,” said Climes. “We put a lot of effort into this meal so the crew can enjoy the birthday as much as possible.”

Capt. Purcell reiterated the ship’s motto in a speech over the ship’s main circuit, “It’s you, the crew, who have made this ship ‘Number One in the Fleet,’” he said.

Wasp is currently conducting operations in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC). The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) is on a scheduled deployment to support U.S., Allied, and partner interests and promote regional stability in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.