Scale: 1/700
Model Length: 14.5"
Height: 6.75"
Width: 2.25"
Base Length: 15"
Code: SS700LHA2 

It was named to honor the US Marines who gave their lives in World War Two's bloodiest battles. Now a handcrafted full-hull solid wood ship model of the USS Saipan is available for the first time ever in precise 1/700 scale model. More than 14 inches long, this ship replica is carved by hand from mahogany wood and is heavily detailed with handcast resin and metal pieces. It comes ready to display on an elegant, handmade, furniture-finish 15-inch display model base using hand-turned brass pedestals. A brass name plate completes the display model. Overall the quality of this helicopter carrier model would command a $800 retail value, but it is now available at our extremely low factory price. 

This is not a mass-produced wood model ship. Each museum-quality ship replica is handcrafted by mastercraft and will make a perfect gift or memento for the sailor, ship or military enthusiast. As such it is shipped to the customer in a heavy-duty carton box; the ship model itself is encased in a secure wood frame which will require some disassembly. 

USS Saipan (LHA-2) is a Tarawa-class amphibious assault ship, the second United States Navy ship named in honor of the World War II Battle of Saipan. 

Saipan was laid down on July 21, 1972 by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Division, Litton Industries, Pascagoula, Mississippi; launched on July 20, 1974; sponsored by Mrs. J. William Middendorf II, wife of Secretary of the Navy Middendorf. 

Saipan’s operational career began in July 1979 when she was diverted from Fleet Refresher Training to Special Contingency Operations for possible non-combatant evacuation of American personnel from Nicaragua during that country’s civil war. 

In May 1980, Saipan was underway to augment U.S. Coast Guard efforts to assist Cuban refugees crossing the Straits of Florida to the United States. On August 25, 1980, Saipan departed Norfolk for the first Mediterranean deployment by an LHA. 

On September 3, 1981, Saipan deployed for her second tour in the Mediterranean Sea. During that deployment, Saipan visited or operated in seven different countries on three continents. 

From August 1982 through July 1983, Saipan was in the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for her first scheduled complex overhaul. In September 1983, while undergoing Refresher Training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Saipan was diverted to participate in Operation Urgent Fury off Grenada.