The USS Wasp (LHD-1) is a modern American global amphibious assault ship. The keel of this unit was laid in 1985, launched in August 1987, and commissioned with the US Navy in 1989. The ship has a length of 257 meters, width of 32 meters, and a full displacement of approximately 41,000 tons. The maximum speed of the ship is about 22-23 knots. The unit is equipped with integrated armament such as two sets of 20mm Vulcan Phalanx, three 25mm Bushmaster cannons, or two NATO Sea Sparrow launchers. The ship can also accommodate up to 25-27 manned aircraft.

The USS Wasp (LHD-1) is the flagship unit of the category of the same name, landing helicopter dock ships. The Wasp-class ships were created to replace the Tarawa-class ships, but they utilized a great deal of experience gained from their operation. The primary mission of the Wasp ships is amphibious operations. For this purpose, they have been adapted to carry approximately 2,000 US Marine Corps soldiers with full equipment, whom they can disembark by helicopters, landing craft, or aircraft, which are also transported by this type of amphibious ship. Due to their size, they can function as light aircraft carriers and are adapted to operate with AV-8 Harrier II or F-35B Lightning II aircraft. The lead ship of this category - USS Wasp (LHD-1) - was constructed at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula. It began its combat service in the Mediterranean Sea and in 1993 operated in the Somalia region before returning to this basin. From 2004 to 2012, the unit operated less intensively than its sister ships. However, it supported the actions of US forces in Afghanistan in 2004. It is worth noting that during this period, prototypes of the F-35B were tested on the unit. The unit is still in active service.