Named for the bloody 1943 Marine assault on Tarawa Atoll, the Tarawa was the lead ship of her class and one of the most capable amphibious assault ships of her era. She carried Marines to every major conflict from Vietnam's aftermath through Desert Storm, launching amphibious forces from her well deck and supporting Harrier jets and helicopters from her flight deck. The Marines who stormed ashore from her decks never forgot who brought them there.