by Christer Johansson
1/720 USS Tarawa LHA-1 (Italeri)
USS Tarawa LHA-1 was the first in a new generation of multipurpose amphibious assault ships, a vital member of the Navy/Marine Corps team in the Pacific Fleet and a major factor in US power projection overseas. The USS Tarawa was built by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries at Pascagoula, Mississippi, and commissioned May 29, 1976.
The LHA-1 can operate independently or as a unit of a force, as a flagship or individual ship unit in both air and/or surface assaults with its 30 helicopters and six AV-8B Harriers and the OV-10 Bronco reconnaissance aircraft. The USS Tarawa has also a large well deck in the stem of the ship for a number of amphibious assault craft, both displacement hull and air cushion. The ship carries a US Marine battalion, supplies and equipment included, and land them ashore by either helicopter or amphibious craft.
Gold Medal Models PE, US Tarawa/Saipan Fitting set, and Naval Figures.
White Ensign Models, Airstrike 700: CH-46 Sea Knight, AV8B, OV-10 Bronco.
