Tarawa Bird Farewell

The Amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) was retired by the US Navy on 4 December 2009, after 32 years service. Two Tarawa class ships remain in commission, although they will eventually be replaced by the LHA 6-class of assault ship, the first of which is under contruction at Northrop Grumman's Pascagoula yard. Launch is scheduled for 2010 with commisioning in 2012/13.