Uss Carter Hall: Amphibious Assault Ship Overview

The USS Carter Hall is an amphibious assault ship that plays a vital role in the United States Navy's expeditionary forces. As a key component of the Navy's amphibious fleet, the USS Carter Hall is designed to transport and deploy Marines and their equipment in a variety of missions. In this article, we will delve into the history, design, capabilities, and operations of the USS Carter Hall.

History of the USS Carter Hall

The USS Carter Hall is named after the estate of Charles Carter, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, who in 1777 built the Carter Hall mansion in Millwood, Virginia. The ship was commissioned on September 30, 1995, at the Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana. Since its commissioning, the USS Carter Hall has participated in numerous operations, including humanitarian missions, peacekeeping efforts, and combat operations.

Design and Capabilities

The USS Carter Hall is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, with a length of 610 feet (186 meters) and a beam of 84 feet (26 meters). The ship has a displacement of 16,000 tons and is powered by four diesel engines, which provide a top speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour). The USS Carter Hall is equipped with a well deck, which can accommodate up to 300 Marines and their equipment, including tanks, trucks, and other vehicles.

Combat Systems

The USS Carter Hall is equipped with a range of combat systems, including:

• 2 x 25mm Mk 38 chain guns
• 2 x.50-caliber machine guns
• 2 x Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWS)
• 2 x Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers

The ship also has a range of sensors and communication systems, including radar, electronic warfare systems, and satellite communication systems.

Operational History

The USS Carter Hall has participated in numerous operations throughout its history, including:

• Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2002)
• Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004)
• Operation Unified Protector (2011)
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Haiti (2010) and the Philippines (2013)

The USS Carter Hall has also participated in numerous exercises and training operations, including the annual Exercise Bold Alligator, which is designed to test the readiness of the Navy's amphibious forces.

Crew and Training

The USS Carter Hall has a crew of approximately 400 sailors and officers, who are trained to operate the ship's systems and conduct a range of missions. The crew is divided into several departments, including:

• Deck department: responsible for the ship's navigation, deck operations, and maintenance
• Engineering department: responsible for the ship's engines, propulsion systems, and electrical systems
• Operations department: responsible for the ship's combat systems, sensors, and communication systems
• Supply department: responsible for the ship's logistics, including food, fuel, and spare parts

The crew of the USS Carter Hall undergoes rigorous training to prepare for the demands of their mission. This includes training in areas such as combat operations, damage control, and first aid.

Gallery of Amphibious Assault Ships

Amphibious Assault Ships Image Gallery

Conclusion

The USS Carter Hall is a vital component of the United States Navy's expeditionary forces, providing a range of capabilities that support the nation's interests. From its history and design to its operational history and crew, the USS Carter Hall is a testament to the Navy's commitment to innovation and excellence. We hope this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the USS Carter Hall and its role in the Navy's amphibious fleet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the USS Carter Hall's primary mission? The USS Carter Hall's primary mission is to transport and deploy Marines and their equipment in a variety of missions.

• What is the USS Carter Hall's length and beam? The USS Carter Hall is 610 feet (186 meters) long and 84 feet (26 meters) wide.

• What is the USS Carter Hall's top speed? The USS Carter Hall has a top speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers per hour).

• What is the USS Carter Hall's crew size? The USS Carter Hall has a crew of approximately 400 sailors and officers.

• What is the USS Carter Hall's combat system? The USS Carter Hall is equipped with a range of combat systems, including 2 x 25mm Mk 38 chain guns, 2 x.50-caliber machine guns, 2 x Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and 2 x Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers.