Scale: 1/800
Height (inches) Approx: 5"
Model length (inches) Approx: 13"
Code: SM800LHA1

You may have served on her, or you may know people who did. You may be interested in military or naval history, or you might be an avid model ship enthusiast or naval collector. You might also have a valuable, and growing, model ship collection; or you would like to start one with the best model ships available. Whatever your connection with the USS Tarawa LHA-1 amphibious assault ship may be, you'll be glad for this opportunity to own a beautifully handcrafted full-hull model of "America's Flagship" in precise 1/800 scale - NOW AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, and at a LOW  PRICE! If you act now, you will be one of the few to own what had only been previously available as a plastic model kit or PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE model.

You will really appreciate the attention and effort put into this model ship, turning it into an excellent 13-inch long model ship replica,  heavily detailed with railings; guns and missile launchers; antennae and sensors;  and many other handcast resin and metal pieces, virtually as much detail as a larger yet more expensive  model ship of the same type! Now, imagine this precise work of model ship art sitting proudly on top of your desk in the office, or on the mantle at home. Your friends, colleagues, or maybe even your former shipmates, come in and marvel as they admire your (latest) acquisition, wondering aloud how expensive this RARE and valuable model ship is. You, of course, will smile, pleased that you had seized the opportunity when it was offered - knowing what a bargain it really is, a very well-made model ship at the very best possible price...less than half of what it could actually cost on the market!

• Excellent, hand-carved and hand-detailed model of the USS Tarawa LHA-1 Amphibious Assault ship
   
• The FIRST and only handcrafted Tarawa Built from scratch and precisely scaled to 1/800
   
• 3-dimensional Masterwork of art by dedicated Master artist-craftsmen
   
• Craftsmanship followed precise plans and scale drawings to quality standards stricter than that of larger ship models 
   
• resin and metal fittings/details such as railings, various antennae and weapons  

• Painted  by hand in current Navy gray scheme and painstakingly detailed
   
• Comes with an elegant, hand-routed, furniture-finish wood base
   
• Real, not plated, hand-turned and -polished brass pedestals 
   
• Engraved brass name plate
   
• Perfect for office decor or home display, or as a special gift!

USS Tarawa (LHA-1) is a United States Navy amphibious assault ship, the lead ship of her class, and the second ship to be named for Tarawa Atoll, site of a Marine landing during World War II. The first Tarawa was the USS Tarawa (CV-40).

She was laid down in November 1972 at Pascagoula, Mississippi, by Ingalls Shipbuilding, launched 1 December 1973, sponsored by Audrey B. Cushman, the wife of General Thomas J. Cushman, former Commandant of the Marine Corps; and commissioned on 29 May 1976, Capt. James H. Morris in command.

Tarawa is the first of five ships in a new class of general-purpose amphibious assault ships and combines in one ship type the functions previously performed by four different types: the amphibious assault ship (LPH), the amphibious transport dock (LPD), the amphibious cargo ship (LKA), and the dock landing ship (LSD). She is capable of landing elements of a Marine Corps battalion landing team and their supporting equipment by landing craft, by helicopters, or by a combination of both.

The ship departed Pascagoula on 7 July 1976 and set a course for the Panama Canal. She transited the canal on 16 July and, after a stop at Acapulco, Mexico, arrived at San Diego, California on 6 August. During the remainder of 1976, the amphibious assault ship conducted trials, tests, and shakedown in the southern California operating area.

During the first half of 1977, Tarawa was engaged in training exercises off the California coast. On 13 August, she entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for post shakedown availability which was completed on 15 July 1978. Following four and one half months of intensive individual ship and amphibious refresher training with embarked marines, Tarawa ended 1978 in her home port of San Diego on Christmas stand down.