USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2)

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USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) was the lead ship of her class and type and the first amphibious assault ship to be designed and built from the keel up as a dedicated helicopter carrier. She carried helicopters and typically embarked the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of a USMC Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) (previously the Marine Amphibious Unit, or MAU) to conduct heliborne operations in support of amphibious operations. There was no well deck to dock landing craft to enable transport of personnel or equipment to/from shore. Iwo Jima was the second of three ships of the United States Navy to be named for the Battle of Iwo Jima, although it was the first to be completed and see service (the first was cancelled during construction).

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