A tribute to the brave men and women of The United States Navy proudly serving aboard the USS ESSEX LHD-2 the "Iron Gator" stationed in Sasebo, Japan, and what they do everyday.
I was a machinist mate on the essex, did the hull swap in japan to the belleau wood.. very interesting . wen dead in the water 12 times while trying to get her underway to bring her back to the states. we put alot of hard work into her to get her sea worthy again. its a damn shame she became target practice when there is a half a continent i can think of that would have made a more suitable target.
I remember the Hull swap in July 2000. I am not old enough to actually be apart of it. But i am the son of a Chief that was. I miss the Iron Gator, and a friend of mine will be on her for 6 months for MEU.
I hope he gets the same experience i did just be being on this glorious vessel.
My old ship.
Goatdude33 4 months ago
@jymi48180 Two things - "Land is a navigational hazard." and "The best way to see Pascagula is in our rear view mirror." IC2 Plankowner here
TheFirstJesterOne 4 months ago
I was a machinist mate on the essex, did the hull swap in japan to the belleau wood.. very interesting . wen dead in the water 12 times while trying to get her underway to bring her back to the states. we put alot of hard work into her to get her sea worthy again. its a damn shame she became target practice when there is a half a continent i can think of that would have made a more suitable target.
ofnalx1 5 months ago
did 4 years 02-06..met a lot of good peeps and learned so much
drvenhrd46 6 months ago
Best ship in the navy,and i love sasebo
archae23 9 months ago
call me crazy IF you will but i found a sign the other day. it said
Company B(-)
4th Assault Battalion
4th Marine Division
"IRON GATOR' ARE YOU FAMILIAR?????????????????
~ANDREA
NoShyGirlHere 9 months ago
I remember the Hull swap in July 2000. I am not old enough to actually be apart of it. But i am the son of a Chief that was. I miss the Iron Gator, and a friend of mine will be on her for 6 months for MEU.
I hope he gets the same experience i did just be being on this glorious vessel.
junkywithamonkey 10 months ago
@angenilevana That is the Essex from WWII.
The Essex in Sasebo was commissioned on October 17, 1992.
USS Essex is the 5th ship to bear the name dating back to the frigate which was launched in Salem, Mass. on September 30, 1799.
junkywithamonkey 10 months ago
Visted the Essex way back - great team of people for the most part, not an easy life, not at all.
greatguyaaa 11 months ago
My wife's cousin William Jordan is proudly serving on board the Essex right now!
You go hero!!!
strappedandready1 11 months ago