Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:01:54-1:02:07

Tarawa's 5-inch guns added amphibious fire support

The Tarawa class's four 5-inch guns gave a helicopter assault ship a versatile way to support and protect a landing.

5-inch GunsAmphibious WarfareNaval Gunfire SupportTarawa Class Amphibious Assault Ships
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Question

Was fitting a 5-inch gun at each corner of the Tarawa-class flight deck a good idea?

Short answer

Yes. The guns made the ship more versatile and provided useful organic fire support for an amphibious force.

Notes

The original four-corner gun arrangement gave the Tarawa class a useful and versatile asset. A large amphibious ship may have to approach shore closely enough for its connectors to maintain a useful wave cycle. Its 5-inch guns can then support troops ashore or watch for hostile artillery and answer it while the ship manoeuvres. The battery does not make the LHD a battleship, but it gives the assault group an organic fire-support option when escort guns are scarce.