The US Navy recently announced the name of its latest America-class amphibious assault ship, LHA-10, as the USS Helmand Province, in a moving tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Marines, Navy corpsmen, allies, and partners who served in the rugged and formidable Helmand province of Afghanistan.
During a solemn ceremony at the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro unveiled the name, evoking the memory of almost two decades of valiant service by American and coalition forces in the region.
The USS Helmand Province joins its sister ship, the USS Fallujah, in carrying forward the legacy of Marines who have engaged in some of the fiercest battles in modern military history.
The ship’s sponsor, Trish Smith, wife of Marine Commandant Gen. Eric Smith, pledged her support to the vessel and its crew, ensuring that the stories of heroism from Helmand will continue to inspire future generations of Marines.
Notably, the ship honors the extraordinary bravery of individuals like Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. Kyle Carpenter and the ultimate sacrifice of Lance Cpl. Donald Hogan, among others.
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos Ruiz poignantly stated in a video, “This name not only honors the battles won and the successes of our units in the Helmand province, but it also honors the names of those who left blood, sweat, tears and even their lives on the battlefield.
The stories of what Marines did in combat are epic and more often today are not shared enough.”
The ship’s naming is not just an honor, but a commitment to never forget the 366 Marines who lost their lives to hostile action in Afghanistan, and the nearly 5,000 more who were wounded.
It serves as a permanent testament to the immeasurable contributions made by Marines in the pursuit of peace and stability, fighting terrorism, and supporting the quest of the Afghan people for a better future.
Beyond the fierce combat, the USS Helmand Province will also carry forward the legacy of the Marines who engaged in training Afghan forces, supporting local governance, and developing infrastructure—a multifaceted mission that went beyond the battlefield.
The naming of the USS Helmand Province is a powerful reminder that while territories may be won and lost, the spirit, honor, and compassion of the service members who fought will forever leave an indelible mark on history and continue to shape the character of the Marine Corps for years to come.
The ship will soon begin its journey of construction, carrying with it the profound stories of courage that have defined a generation of American warriors.
Relevant articles:
– Navy’s next amphibious ship named for Marines’ Helmand province fight, Marine Corps Times
– Bataan ARG, 26th MEU to Arrive Home Saturday, usni.org
– What Marines did in Helmand province, San Diego Union-Tribune
– Marine Corps University > Research > Marine Corps History Division > Research Tools/Facts and Figures > Chronologies of the Marine Corps > Global War on Terrorism: 2001, Marine Corps University