The USS BATAAN (LHD 5) was commissioned on September 20, 1997. The Bataan visited Fort Lauderdale for Fleet Week 2005 and developed a relationship with our Council after attending our Junior Officers Party.  The Council officially adopted the Bataan in February 2006 during ceremonies held on the ship. 

The Bataan is the fifth ship in the WASP class of Navy multipurpose amphibious assault ships. One of the fleet's busiest ships over the last four years, the Bataan has participated in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM I and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM II while supporting combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq. During OIF II, January-March 2004, the crew's mission was to offload Marines from Second Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF), along with their equipment and ammunition, into Kuwait in order to help stabilize Iraq. The Marines were part of a 25,000 member air-and-ground task force that contributed to the largest rotation of U.S. Forces since World War II. During OIF I January-June 2004, her crew developed the Harrier Carrier concept, flying up to 26 AV-8B's off her deck during OIF I. This innovation maximized the combat capabilities of assets in theater and directly resulted in the destruction of hundreds of military targets within Iraq and once again proved the flexibility of this mighty warship. 

In May 2006, the USS Bataan departed the Netherlands Antilles island of Curacao after loading Dutch and French Marines, Army personnel and equipment for the upcoming exercise Joint Caribbean Lion 2006.   The Bataan is taking part in the exercise at the request of the Netherlands. The Dutch led exercise also includes military forces from Spain, Venezuela, the United Kingdom, France and Italy. U.S. forces will focus on enhancing relationships with partner nations and improving operational readiness.   Joint Caribbean Lion 2006 runs through early June. 

April 4, 2010 - USS Bataan Arrives Home After 10 Weeks in Haiti

March 2010 - USS Bataan Replenishes off the coast of Haiti

January 28, 2010 - Bataan Sailors Rebuild, Bring Relief to Grande Goave, Haiti

January 25, 2010 - Bataan's First 'Miracle' Patient in Haiti Returns Home

January 23, 2010 - USS Bataan LCACs Land Ashore to Bring More Relief in Haiti