Navy to decommission Nassau in Norfolk today

Posted to: Military
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By Meredith Kruse
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 31, 2011

NORFOLK

After more than 30 years of service, the amphibious assault ship Nassau will leave the fleet in a ceremony today at Norfolk Naval Station.

Named for the first landing by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, on New Providence Island in the Bahamas during the American Revolution, the ship was commissioned in 1979. It is the fourth in the Tarawa class of amphibious assault ships and was used for a variety of missions, from amphibious landings to humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

During operations, it carried a crew of 80 officers and 880 enlisted sailors plus a detachment of 1,900 Marines. Its flight deck handled helicopters, V-22 Ospreys and AV-8B Harriers.

Have a sea story about the Nassau? Share it with us at military@pilotonline.com and check back for coverage of the decommissioning.

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