Powerful Force for Freedom

This unique lithograph is among the most striking portrayals ever created of USS Okinawa, the first and only American ship named for the Battle of Okinawa. It commemorates and celebrates one of America’s most powerful and versatile miltary assetts and depicts the vessel in all its glory. It also includes notes and facts, such as the ship’s history and vital statistics.

The print measures 18" x 24" and looks great in a frame.

Text from the Portrait:

USS Okinawa (LPH-3), “The Proud Lady of the Pacific,” takes her name from the Battle of Okinawa, the largest amphibious battle of World War II in the Pacific Theater.

Okinawa’s primary mission is to transport an entire marine battalion landing team, including its guns, vehicles and equipment, ashore by helicopter.

A versatile ship with the capacity to project sea power over the sea and onto land, the USS Okinawa stands as a Powerful Force for Freedom.

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USS OKINAWA (LPH-3):
DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF SERVICE

Second of the “Iwo Jima” class amphibious assault ships (LPH), USS Okinawa’s keel was laid down on 1 April 1960 (15th anniversary of the invasion of Okinawa) at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; launched 19 August 1961 and commissioned 14 April 1962.

Highlights of USS Okinawa’s distinguished service include nine western pacific (WESTPAC) deployments. During the Vietnam conflict Okinawa was frequently deployed off Vietnam’s coast providing on-the-line support for U.S. special landing forces. During three periods of approximately 55 days each, Okinawa spearheaded nine amphibious assaults against Vietnamese shore objectives. She also played a vital role in Operation Bold Mariner, the largest amphibious assault of the Vietnam conflict.

In 1970 USS Okinawa was awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for her humanitarian assistance to the people of Lagonoy Gulf, Republic of the Philippines, who had been devastated by Typhoon Jean.

In 1975 USS Okinawa evacuated 287 U.S. personnel from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, during Operation Eagle Pull. Immediately following this operation, Okinawa conducted the largest helicopter operation in history – Operation Frequent Wind. Over 1200 Americans were swiftly evacuated from South Vietnam. The ship was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation for her role.

USS Okinawa, the first LPH to participate in America’s Apollo Space Program, served as the primary recovery ship for Apollo 8. Several years later she recovered the Apollo 15 astronauts shortly after splashdown. –Editor’s note: The print appears to be incorrect. Okinawa participated in the recovery of the Apollo 6 capsule, as well as Apollo 15. USS Yorktown recovered Apollo 8.

In 1980 USS Okinawa participated in the first amphibious deployment to the Indian Ocean. During the Iranian hostage crisis Okinawa remained on station for 53 days.

Since her commissioning in 1963, USS Okinawa, also known as “Proud Lady of the Pacific” has served here country well and is proud of her distinguished record of service.

Vignettes

Apollo 8 Space Mission
Okinawa, first LPH as Primary Recovery Ship

Apollo 15 Space Mission
Recovered astronauts within minutes of splash down.

UH-1N Huey (3 ea.)
Fast, low silhouette, light weight, jet powered, all purpose. Two Marine Hueys plus OKI-3, Okinawa’s “personal” helicopter.

AH-1T Cobra Gunship (4 ea.)
Used to suppress enemy ground fire, clears way for marines. Escorts and protects larger transport helicopters over enemy terrain. Cruises 185 mph, Dives at 220 mph.

CH-46 Sea Knight (12 ea.)
Twin turbine. Okinawa’s rapid transit system moves 15 marines or 5,000 lb. payload from ship to shore.

CH-53 Sea Stallion (4 ea.)
Largest and fastest transport, two turbo shaft engines, moves 38 fully equipped marines 100 nautical miles at 200 mph.

Twin 3″/50 Caliber Rapid Fire Gun Mounts
Anti-Aircraft/Anti-Missile Defense

AV-8A Harrier (VSTOL)
World’s first operation Vertical Short Take Off and Landing jet craft. Transonic, hovers in mid-air, turns in any direct… then moves out with 21,500 lbs. of thrust.

BPDS Missile
A Basic Point Defense System is launched from USS Okinawa (LPH-3).

This work was completed in 1981.