Greetings from WASP,
Congratulations on being the next Stinger to join the WASP Family!
As the oldest LHD and the tenth US Navy ship to bear the name, our ship has a proud and distinguished heritage and you will rapidly become an important part of that legacy.
WASP is an 844 foot, 41,000 ton warship that employs up to 31 aircraft and multiple high speed landing craft. She was built in Pascagoula, Mississippi and commissioned in 1989. She is equipped with multiple layers of sensors and weapon systems. WASP Sailors and Marines are the strength of this warship. Each and every one of these Sailors and Marines are volunteers who have trained extensively in the art of seamanship, combat and humanitarian missions. We pride ourselves on our ability to integrate with our allies and coalition partners during crisis when required.
The mission of WASP is to load, transport and land troops and their equipment in support of amphibious operations worldwide. That includes the entire assortment of amphibious operations ranging from full-out kinetic warfare to humanitarian operations; and WASP has been involved in that entire spectrum. We have a crew of about 1200 Sailors and Marines and can embark another ~1000 troops. The bottom line is that this ship, as a proud member of the Amphibious (Gator) Navy, is something like a Swiss Army knife for the United States. We can support any of the Marine Corps, and other service missions with great flexibility and immediacy. Anytime, anywhere!
Please let your sponsor, our Command Master Chief, or me know if you are not getting what you need as you join our crew and become a Stinger. Please take care of yourself and your family as you make your way to WASP. I take great pride in knowing that our shipmates look out for one another and with you that starts now.
Welcome to the team!