In 1997, the Iowa Class Preservation Association was invited to a "tour at sea" with the US Navy. Local members of ICPA were able to sail with the crew of the USS Boxer (LHD 4).

The USS Essex (a sister ship of the Boxer) underway.

The USS Boxer is fourth in the Wasp Class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and was commissioned on February 11, 1995. The crew consists of 1,077 crewmembers and 2,074 embarked troops. She has a length of 844 feet, a beam of 106 feet and displaces 40,532 tons. Her propulsion systems consist of two steam boilers producing 70,000 Shaft Horsepower (speed 20+ knots).

A few years ago, the US Navy granted "approved" naval organizations the chance to go to sea on ships just about to start their six month tours of duty.

Prior to ships leaving on their tour of duty, the Navy allows crew’s families to go out on a one day cruise to witness the ships capabilities. The day at sea includes live fire demonstrations, aircraft operations and the chance to tour through the engineering, operations, tactical and living areas of the warship.

The day began early when ICPA members arrived at 6 a.m. at the San Diego Naval Station in San Diego, California. Breakfast was provided and the USS Boxer got underway at 7 a.m. Once out to the training area, guests were given a demonstration of the new LCAC’s (Landing Craft Air Cushioned). Next, the crew made preparations for the air operation demonstrations and soon after guests were shown the complexities of launching rotary and fixed aircraft at sea. Many different aircraft carried aboard the Boxer were demonstrated, including the Harrier Jump Jet. While the deck of the carrier is large, it still amazed ICPA members that so many aircraft could be launched and retrieved back aboard ship. After lunch, the crew performed live fire demonstrations of the CWIS missile defense system. During the day, visitors could view the many areas of the ship including CIC, the bridge, engineering, and the vast hangar deck.

On Friday, January 16^th,1998 members of the Iowa Class Preservation Association were given an opportunity to go on a ship cruise with the US Navy. Local members of ICPA were invited to sail with the crew of the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) in San Diego, California.

The USS Tarawa is first in the Tarawa Class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and was completed on May 29^th 1975. The crew consists of 902 crewmembers and 1,903 embarked troops. She has a length of 834 feet, a beam of 106 feet and displaces 39,967 tons. Her propulsion system consists of two geared steam turbines producing 140,000 total shaft horsepower at 24+ knots.

Prior to ships leaving on their six-month tour of duty, the Navy allows the crew’s families and approved organizations to go out on a one-day cruise to witness the ship’s capabilities. The day at sea can include rotary and fixed wing aircraft demonstrations as well as the chance to tour the ship during operation.

The day began when ICPA members arrived at 11 a.m. at the Naval Station in San Diego, California. ICPA members were very impressed with the courtesy and professionalism shown by the crew. Once out to the training area, guests were given a demonstration of the new LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushioned). Next, visitors were given flight demonstrations of the CH-46E helicopter and AV-8B Harrier VSTOL aircraft. Later, ICPA members were treated to lunch in the officers’ mess and given a guided tour of the ship. ICPA would like to thank Captain Jim Bray, LCDR Toole, LTJG Griak, LTJG Boardman and the rest of the crew of the USS Tarawa for their hospitality. ICPA would also like to extend gratitude to Captain Jones and LT Brown at COMSIB Group3 in San Diego for their invaluable help.

Besides ICPA officers, the following members attended the cruise: Toni and David Knapp, Ed Krummenacher, Mike Minna, Bill Minna, Fred Moore, Cindy Rhodes and Philip Solomon.