The Life of the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2): A Naval Legacy Preserved

Acclaimed military historian Donald Yates, author of more than fifty books on military history—including over fifteen works dedicated to U.S. Navy ships—presents his newest release, The Life of the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2). This richly detailed pictorial history brings to life one of the Navy's most innovative and important amphibious assault ships.

Commissioned in 1961, the USS Iwo Jima was the first vessel specifically designed to carry, launch, and support Marine helicopter forces. She represented a bold step forward in naval warfare, departing from retrofitted World War II–era carriers to become the prototype for an entirely new class of amphibious ships. In this book, Yates traces her remarkable story, from design and construction through decades of distinguished service.

With over 100 carefully selected photographs, many from the National Archives and private collections, The Life of the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) offers a rare visual chronicle. Readers will see the ship under construction, Marines and sailors in action, aircraft on her flight deck, and the pivotal operations she supported during the Cold War and Vietnam eras. Each image is accompanied by insightful commentary that places the ship's history in context and honors the men who served aboard her.

For veterans who knew the "Mighty Iwo," this book is both a tribute and a keepsake. For naval historians and enthusiasts, it provides an invaluable record of a ship that pioneered modern amphibious operations. And for general readers, it tells an inspiring story of innovation, resilience, and duty at sea.

Donald Yates has built a reputation for blending accessible storytelling with meticulous research, and The Life of the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) continues that tradition. This is not just the story of a ship—it is the story of the sailors and Marines who carried out America's mission across the globe.

Add this volume to your library today and preserve the legacy of the USS Iwo Jima for generations to come.