The Kearsarge is the Atlantic Fleet's premier amphibious warship, a Wasp-class LHD that has been in the thick of every major operation in her region since commissioning in 1993. She deployed to the Adriatic during operations in the Balkans, to the Persian Gulf for Iraqi Freedom, and to the Caribbean for humanitarian operations. Her crew's professionalism and readiness have made her one of the most decorated ships of her class. The name Kearsarge has always meant excellence.