USS Saipan (LHA 2) “We Do It All”

USS Saipan (LHA-2) underway in the Indian Ocean in the early 80’s.

 

“We do it all!” 

(USS Saipan LHA-2 motto)

These Log Entries will highlight the USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) during the early 1980’s during which this Watch Stander spent many months aboard–from the waters off Norfolk and Little Creek, to New York’s exciting harbor, and to the frigid, but beautiful and strategically important waters of the Lofoten archipelago and its dramatic mountains, sheltered bays, and open seas.

The Tarawa Class (1971-2005) of amphibious assault ships (LHA) included five ships built by Ingalls Shipbuilding between 1971 and 1980, including:  Tarawa (LHA-1), Saipan (LHA-2), Belleau Wood, ex-Philippine Sea (LHA-3 ), Nassau, ex-Leyte Gulf (LHA-4 ), and Peleliu, ex-Da Nang, ex-Khe Sanh (LHA-5).

USS SAIPAN (LHA-2) Underway refueling with unidentified AO.
Saipan Log Entry Contents
USS Saipan Flag Bridge. Anchored in a Norwegian fjord while supporting NATO exercises. The fjords were so deep the ship could anchor close to the picturesque, plunging shoreline. As OIC for a Public Affairs detachment assigned to COMPHIBGRUTWO, LCDR Tracy Connors enjoys the view from the “Admiral’s Chair,” while updating his log book on the Flag Bridge.

 

Next Page: Welcome Aboard USS Saipan (LHA-2) “We Do It All”

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Works by Dr. Connors

Log Entries, are as varied as the person reliving them–interesting, exciting, provocative, stimulating, appealing, heartwarming, lively and entertaining–worth telling to a larger audience, sharing with others some unforgettable experiences and preserving precious memories for future generations.

Truckbusters From Dogpatch: the Combat Diary of the 18th Fighter-Bomber Wing during the Korean War, 1950-1953. The incredible story of the men—pilots, ground crew and supporting elements—whose achievements and records during that bloody conflict not only made U.S. Air Force history, but helped the newly fledged military service gain the confidence and respect it now enjoys.

Baited Trap: the Ambush of Mission 1890. After more than fifty years, we know the riveting story — “…a story that has not been told, but should have been” (Graybeard Magazine) — of the Korean War’s most heroic–and costly, helicopter rescue mission. It took declassification of official records, extensive research, tracking down the scattered families of brave airmen, and use of the Freedom of Information Act, to piece together the story of what five incredibly determined Air Force and Navy pilots did that long June afternoon in the infamous “Iron Triangle.”

About Tracy Connors

Tracy D. Connors graduated from Jacksonville University (AA), University of Florida (BA), the University of Rhode Island (MA), and Capella University (Ph.D. with Distinction, human services management, 2013). Ph.D. (Honorary), Leadership Excellence, Jacksonville University, December, 2013. Designated a "Distinguished Dolphin" by Jacksonville University, Feb. 2, 2010.