As a tribute to the two fiercest battles of the Iraq War, the US Navy has revealed plans to name a new American-class landing helicopter assault ship (LHA) USS Fallujah.
“It is a pleasure to recognize the Marines, Soldiers, and coalition partners who fought heroically and gave their lives throughout both battles of Fallujah,” Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said in a Tuesday press statement.
The United States Navy has not yet disclosed when the USS Fallujah will be commissioned, but the ship will be tailored to support Marine Corps missions.
Unique to the United States military, ships like the USS Fallujah are frequently called upon to help humanitarian concerns and missions around the world.
In 2004, the US troops and coalition allies fought two arduous fights in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, both of which were regarded as two of the bloodiest of the whole Iraq War.
The Landing Craft Air Cushion of the USS Bonhomme Richard exits the well-deck of the amphibious assault ship. This vessel will resemble the USS Fallujah, which has not yet been released.
In April of 2004, U.S. forces initiated a mission within the city of Fallujah to kill or capture insurgents thought to be responsible for the murder of U.S. military contractors.
The second fight, which occurred between November and December of the same year, was an attempt by the US military to regain complete control of the city after insurgents retook territory lost in the first war.
The combination of both battles is considered the deadliest and hardest-fought of the Iraq War, as forces engaged in intensive house-to-house combat. During both clashes, more than one hundred U.S. and coalition troops were killed.
In addition to the number of casualties, almost 600 service men were injured throughout both battles of Fallujah.
Marines of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines attempt to clear a street in Fallujah, Iraq, on November 9, 2004.
The new amphibious assault ship of the America-class will memorialize and honor those who fought and died in the fight.
The new LHA-9 will be the fourth vessel of its class in the United States Navy.
This conflict merits a place in the pantheon of legendary Marine Corps engagements, and the LHA’s unique capabilities will serve as a sharp reminder to the entire world of the valor, fortitude, and dedication to freedom demonstrated by those who fought in it.
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