Powerful Force for Freedom

The Rare Vintage Aircraft Carrier Artwork of P. Frank Freeman

The Ships:

USS Tripoli LPH-10

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This unique lithograph is among the most striking portrayals ever created of USS Tripoli, the second American ship named for the historic Battle of Tripoli. 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:

As an amphibious assault ship, designated LPH-10, USS Tripoli, with pride, takes her place as one of the LPH’s which for almost two decades has formed the backbone of the Navy’s Amphibious forces.

USS Tripoli (LPH-10) is the second ship to be named after the historic Battle of Tripoli (1804). USS Tripoli (LPH-10) proudly displays the commissioning plaque from the first United States Ship to bear the name; the World War II escort aircraft carrier USS Tripoli (CVE-64), decommissioned in 1958.

Tripoli’s primary mission is to transport an entire marine battalion landing team, including its guns, vehicles and equipment, ashore by helicopter and launch an airborne invasion behind enemy lines utilizing the vertical envelopment concept.

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

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USS Tripoli (LPH-10):
DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF SERVICE

USS Tripoli was built at the Ingalls Shipbuilding Yard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Her keel was laid 15 June 1964, launched 31 July 1965 and commissioned 6 August 1966 at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.

USS Tripoli departed the United States on her first deployment to the Western Pacific in May 1967, arrived on Station near the demilitarized zone of Vietnam and served as a support vessel for troops ashore, as a medical base for the immediate evacuation and treatment of wounded personnel. For hr actions during this deployment, Tripoli was present with the Navy Unit Commendation by the Secretary of the Navy in May 1968.

USS Tripoli now has nine Western Pacific deployments. As a result of performance during fiscal year 1979, Tripoli received the coveted Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy for achieving the greatest improvement in battle efficiency in the Pacific Fleet and was runner-up for the Admiral Flatley Award for Aviation Safety.

USS Tripoli is proud of her outstanding service to her country and salutes the courageous men and officers who have served her so well.

OTHER AWARDS EARNED BY TRIPOLI INCLUDE:

  • Navy Unit Commendation
  • Meritorious Unit Commendation
  • Navy “E” Ribbon
  • National Defense Service Medal w/Star
  • Vietnam Service Medal w/one Silver Star, four Bronze Stars
  • Humanitarian Service Medal
  • Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/Star
  • Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Au Border/Ribbon Frames
  • Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Gallantry Cross Medal color w/Palm)
  • Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Civic Action First Class color w/Palm)
  • Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/Clasp.

Vignettes

Symbols of pride, patriotism, courage and dedication to duty.

UH-1N Huey (3 ea.)
Fast, low silhouette, light weight, jet powered, all purpose. Two Marine Hueys plus Tiger-2, 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 Tripoli (LPH-10).

This work was completed in 1981.