Say good-bye to the Belleau Wood (LHA 3):
She was used as a target off Hawaii. Although she absorbed several hits by anti-ship missiles, she did not go down until scuttling charges were detonated along her bottom.
For more info and pics, see Strategy Page.
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They must have all hit her port side. Starboard looked pretty clean. Possible diving impact on flight deck. I wonder what they learned on this one vs the targeting of the USS America (last year?). Pic’s must be from a camera phone – not very clear (which is why they got released).
I guess the Tarawas are being phased out by the Wasp class ships…if I’m correct… man if the Belleau Wood wouldn’t have been sunk it would have made a nice arena for us airsofters…heh, but I can dream.
That’s a bummer. I was on the ‘drift wood’ for a brief period in late 1986, while in the Marine Corps.
I was a marine stationed on that ship as well in the early 90s.. It’s sad to see her go.
dammit, does this mean I can’t dive off her?
I don’t understand why it could not have been donated to the UN or a NGO. It could have been a huge fresh water and food deliverer to people in need. Think of all the nuns and puppies who could have been saved.
I was stationed on the Wood from 1982 thru 1984 and it was sad to see the pictures of her sinking. Glad the old lady put up a fight to the last.