The Wasp (LHD 1) is the lead ship of its own class of amphibious assault ships and the tenth ship in the U.S. Navy to bear that name. The contract to build her was awarded to Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Litton in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on February 28, 1984, and her keel was laid down on May 30, 1985; The ship was launched for the first time on August 4, 1987.

September 17, 1987 The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Wasp was christened during a ceremony at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. Mrs. Diane W. Lawrence, the wife of Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence (Ret.), a former Vice Chief of Naval Operations, served as sponsor of the ship. Capt. Leonard. F. Picotte is the prospective commanding officer.

July 29, 1989 USS Wasp held a commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk.

June 20, 1991 The Wasp departed homeport for its maiden six-month Mediterranean deployment.

September 1, LHD 1 recently moored at Milhaud Pier 6W in Toulon Naval Base, France, for a routine port call.

January ?, 1993 USS Wasp departed Norfolk for a surge deployment in support of Operation Restore Hope.

April 20, USS Wasp run aground when the ship scraped its keel and propeller on a charted reef approximately 3.5 miles from shore off the Suthern Somalia. There were no injuries to the crew and the ship continued on its assigned mission. Following the incident the ships's CO and the navigator were relieved.

March 29, 1995 The Wasp collided with the Fast Combat Support Ship USS Seattle (AOE 3).

February 22, 2002 USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd MEU departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

August 30, USS Wasp, commanded by Capt. Edward P. McNamee, III, returned to homeport following the successful completion of a six-month combat deployment. Overall, the ARG steamed nearly 95,000 miles during their deployment. Along the way, the ships participated in Operation Sea Eagle in the Gulf of Aden and numerous multi-national exercises, in addition to making a variety of port visits including Souda Bay, Crete; Manama, Bahrain; and Rota, Spain, before heading home.

November 20, LHD 1 is currently undergoing a six-month maintance period at NNSY after returning from deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

February 17, 2004 USS Wasp ESG 2, along with the 22nd MEU, departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled six-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

March 9, U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 are currently participating in Adriatic PHIBLEX 04-5, off the coast of Albania, from March 8-12. Six of ESG 2’s ships also wrapped up simultaneous port visits around the Mediterranean Sea March 8. The Wasp stopped in Valletta, Malta; Whidbey Island and Leyte Gulf visited Dubrovnik and Split, Croatia, respectively, while Yorktown and McFaul made calls to Taranto and Trieste, Italy. USS Shreveport tied up for liberty in Durres, Albania.

March 16, ESG-2 transited the Suez Chanel. On March 24, the Marines from 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit begin with off-loading in Pakistan.

April 5, The Wasp pulled into Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a three-day visit to Dubai.

September 18, USS Wasp returned to Norfolk after a seven-month deployment in support of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.

November 4, LHD 1 offloaded ammunition at Earle Naval Weapons Station, N.J., Oct. 23-28. The Wasp is scheduled to conduct exercises with the Marine Corps' newest aircraft, the V-22 Osprey, in mid-November before its maintenance availability early next year.

November 24, USS Wasp completed a 10-day exercise testing the V-22A Osprey off the East Coast, from Nov. 12-23. The amphibious assault ship spent nearly two weeks at sea helping more than 100 flight engineers, contractors, government employees and Marine Corps pilots collect data and aviation information about the military’s future transport aircraft.

June 23, 2005 The Wasp earned its well deck certification while underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area.

August 8, LHD 1 is currently underway for deck landing qualifications; Underway again in mid-October.

October 22, Three Norfolk-based amphibious ships will get underway today, headed for the south Florida region in the event assistance is needed if Hurricane Wilma strikes land there. USS Wasp, USS Trenton and USS Nashville are making preparations to load humanitarian relief supplies.

November 2, LHD 1 is currently conducting port familiarization operations in anticipation of an upcoming underway training period with the MV-22 Osprey.

February 22, 2006 USS Wasp, commanded by Capt. Todd R. Miller, is currently conducting routine training operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

April 19, The amphibious assault ship is currently conducting routine training off the coast of Virginia. Underway again in early May.

July 21, More than 16,000 service members from five countries will participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 06-2 "Operation Bold Step," July 21-31. U.S. and coalition naval assets underway for the exercise include the 2nd Fleet flagship, USS Wasp, with embarked 2nd Fleet distributed staff, the aircraft carriers Dwight D. Eisenhower and Theodore Roosevelt with associated units, and units from the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group.

August 25, USS Wasp departed Naval Station Norfolk for a surge deployment in support of the ongoing Joint Task Force Lebanon mission. A detachment from Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 14, Assault Craft Units (ACU) 2 and 4, and a Fleet Medical Team left with Wasp to support a Request for Forces (RFF) from European Command. The Wasp will deploy to the eastern Mediterranean to provide support to the American embassy in Beirut and Department of Defense (DoD)-approved humanitarian assistance efforts.

September 6, LHD 1 became the command platform for the maritime component commander in the eastern Mediterranean. The arrival of amphibious assault ship also allows the forward-deployed Mount Whitney (LCC 20) to return to her Gaeta, Italy, homeport for the second time since being on station in the Joint Operation Area shortly after the crisis began in mid-July.

October 12, USS Wasp, commanded by Capt. Michael Hawley, arrived in Reykjavik, Iceland, for a scheduled port visit. It is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Iceland after the closing of the Naval Air Station in Keflavik.

November 11, USS Wasp returned to homeport after two-and-a-half month deployment in support of Joint Task Force Lebanon.

December 6, LHD 1 is currently in transit to Norfolk, after visiting Philadelphia, Pa., for the Army-Navy football game.

May 23, 2007 USS Wasp pulled into New York City to participate in Fleet Week 2007.

June 25, USS Wasp departed Halifax, Canada, after a three-day port call to participate in a joint exercise Frontier Sentinel 07-2, in the northwestern Atlantic Ocean, about 100-150 miles off the coasts of northeastern United States and southeastern Nova Scotia.

June 28, USS Wasp arrived in Boston Harbor, Mass., for a scheduled port visit to participate in annual Navy Week celebration.

August 30, The Wasp recently arrived in Colon, Panama, to participate in PANAMAX 2007, a U.S. Southern Command joint and multinational annual exercise in cooperation with the government of Panama to ensure the continued security of the Panama Canal and regional peace and prosperity. Nineteen nations have sent 30 ships, a dozen aircraft and more than 7,000 personnel to participate in the exercise from Aug. 29 through Sept. 7.

September 6, USS Wasp arrived off the coast of Nicaragua to assist with disaster relief efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Felix on Sept. 4.

October 4, Ten U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys, assigned to Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron (VMM) 263, departed the USS Wasp in the Gulf of Aqaba, for its first combat deployment in Iraq.

November 1, Forty-eight Marines from 2nd Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST), 4th Battalion embarked the Wasp in Manama, Bahrain, for participation in a humanitarian assistance/crisis response exercise from Nov. 1-7.

December ?, USS Wasp returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a four-month underway period.

February 7, 2008 The amphibious assault ship pulled into Naval Station Mayport to drop off equipment and for minor maintenance.

February 22, Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn relieved Rear Adm. D.C. Curtis as Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic, during a ceremony aboard the USS Wasp at Naval Station Norfolk.

September 18, USS Wasp, commanded by Capt. Daniel H. Fillion, departed dry-dock at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), one day ahead of schedule. The remainder of the eight-month DPMA work is being done by BAE Systems and the alteration installation team. Major jobs include a new local area network system, fuel oil compensation stability and MV-22 Osprey modifications which allow the ship to operate, maintain and transport the tilt rotor aircraft effectively.

March 18, 2009 LHD 1 is currently underway in preparation for upcoming surge deployment which will include an on-load of an awaiting squadron of V-22 Osprey aircraft.

April 9, USS Wasp departed Naval Station Norfolk for the European Command AoO to support the redeployment of U.S. Marine Corps assets in theater.

May 13, The Wasp is supporting a relocation project for an EA-3B Skywarrior, transporting it from Rota, Spain, back to the United States. The amphibious assault ship is expected to unload the aircraft onto a barge from its pier once the ship arrives in Norfolk. From there, the barge will carry the "Whale" to its new home in Alabama. Retired in 1991, the Skywarrior is commonly called a "Whale" because, at one time, it was the heaviest type aircraft on board a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.

July 2, Capt. Lowell D. Crow relieved Capt. Daniel H. Fillion as CO of USS Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

October 4, USS Wasp departed Norfolk for a scheduled deployment in support of Southern Partnership Station (SPS).

November 19, The amphibious assault ship anchored off the coast of Ocho Rios, Jamaica, for a brief port visit.

November 24, Task Group 40.7 embarked on board the Wasp turned over approximately 39,000 pounds of medical and school supplies, text books, and toys to the government of Belize and various non-governmental organizations, during a ceremony in Belize City, as the ship steamed just off the coast of Belize.

December 22, USS Wasp returned to Naval Station Norfolk after an 11-week deployment in the Caribbean Sea.

May 3, 2010 USS Wasp pulled into Mayport Naval Station for a routine port visit. The ship is currently conducting training exercises in the U.S. 2nd Fleet Area of Responsibility (AoR).

May 21, The Wasp departed Naval Weapons Station Earle, New Jersey, after ammo onload.

June 18, LHD 1 is currently underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting deck landing and engineering qualifications.

June 25, USS Wasp arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to celebrate the Canadian Naval Centennial and International Fleet Review (IFR), from June 28- July 2; Anchored in Halifax Harbour on June 29.

July 12, The amphibious assault ship departed Norfolk for engineering and flight deck qualifications n preparation for the upcoming unit level training assessment.

August 2, USS Wasp is currently conducting test flight operations, with the HMLA/T-303, VMX-21, HX-21 and HSC-22, off the East Coast and was chosen as the platform to evaluate the limits and capabilities of newer models of aircraft such as the MV-22 "Osprey", AH-1Z "Viper", MH-60S "Knighthawk" and the UH-1Y "Venom".

August 20, The Wasp is currently underway for routine training and flight operations in the Atlantic Ocean.

September 17, USS Wasp commenced an eight-month Continuous Maintenance Availability on Aug. 23 to undergo a series of modifications and assessments as it prepares to be the first ship to carry the new fighter F-35B. The ship was selected this year to be the test platform for the F-35B Lightning II, the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the JSF, but is unlikely that will conduct scheduled initial at-sea testing in March 2011 because of slow progress with vertical landings.

October 8, Capt. Brenda M. Holdener relieved Capt. Lowell D. Crow as the 17th commanding officer of Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

January 13, 2011 USS Wasp arrived in BAE Systems Shipyard to begin a scheduled Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA).

May 2, The amphibious assault ship returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a five-day sea trials.

July 7, USS Wasp departed Norfolk for sea trials and air certifications off the coast of Virginia.

July 26, Trident Warrior 2011 (TW11) began aboard the Wasp, off the coast of Virginia, with the first in a series of numerous technological experiments. The annual fleet experiment, scheduled to run until August 1, is directed by U.S. Fleet Forces Command, sponsored by U.S. 2nd and 5th Fleets with a mission to improve and enhance the Navy's information dominance and policies, procedures and interoperability between U.S. forces and coalition partners during maritime war fighting. LHD 1 was selected for this experiment because the ships compatible network layout, which is somewhat unique in the fleet. Wasp workstations have 100 gigabytes, but the back-up servers are 10 times faster than other ships.

August 25, USS Wasp emergency sortied from Naval Station Norfolk to avoid the approaching Category 3 Hurricane Irene.

September 9, The Wasp is currently underway off the East Coast conducting sea trials and flight deck certifications.

October 3, The F-35B Lightning II test aircraft BF-2, piloted by Lt. Col. Frederick G. Schenk, landed aboard the USS Wasp at 3.12 p.m. successfully completing the first at-sea vertical landing of Joint Strike Fighter, aboard the amphibious assault ship, as part of a three-week sea trials off the coast of Virginia. LHD 1 returned to Norfolk Oct. 21.

November 28, USS Wasp departed homeport for sea trials and certifications off the coast of Virginia.

December 13, Capt. Gary M. Boardman relieved Capt. Brenda M. Holdener as CO of the Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at sea.

January 9, 2012 USS Wasp departed Norfolk to conduct qualifications in preparation fo an annual multinational amphibious assault exercise Bold Alligator 2012, from Jan. 30- Feb. 12.

March 2, The Wasp departed homeport to conduct routine operations in the waters of the southern Caribbean, and use the degaussing range in Mayport, Fla.

March 13, LHD 1 pulled into Naval Station Mayport for a three-day port call.

April 17, USS Wasp arrived in New Orleans, La., for a six-day port visit to commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 during the Fleet Week.

April 25, The Wasp pulled into Port Everglades, Fla., for a five-day port visit to participate in the 22nd Broward Navy Days' Fleet Week.

May 23, USS Wasp moored at Manhattan's Pier 90 for a week-long visit to participate in the 25th Fleet Week New York.

June 28, The amphibious assault ship moored at Massport's Marine Terminal/North Jetty in Boston, Mass., for an eight-day port visit, as part of the city's July 4th celebration and the U.S. Navy's "Navy Week" activities, after participating in a multi-national War of 1812 Commemoration Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX), from June 21-28.

August 25, USS Wasp is currently underway for routine training in the VACAPES Op. Area; Underway again on Sept. 15; Underway to conduct burials at sea and routine training on Oct. 21.

November 3, The Wasp recently arrived off the coast of New York and New Jersey, with an embarked Marines and sailors from the 26th MEU, along with detachments from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 366 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 467, in support of Hurricane Sandy disaster relief efforts.

November 12, LHD 1 returned to Naval Station Norfolk after a 22-day underway period.

June 3, 2013 The Wasp departed Naval Station Norfolk for a four-day sea trials after a six-month Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV), installing modifications to increase its capability in support of the F-35B Lightning aircraft.

From June 24-28, the Wasp was underway for Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic Aviation Certification (AVCERT) 1.4 Bravo.

July 18, Capt. Brian T. Teets relieved Capt. Gary M. Boardman as CO of the USS Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship in Norfolk.

July 21, The amphibious assault ship recently departed homeport for a two-week underway to conduct amphibious training exercise.

August 12, USS Wasp departed Norfolk for an 18-day underway to conduct Developmental Test 2 (DT-2) with the F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

September 10, Rear Adm. Richard P. Snyder relieved Rear Adm. Ann C. Phillips as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Wasp.

September 18, LHD 1 entered the Titan Dry Dock on BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair facility for a Drydocking Phased Maintenance Availability (DPMA).

January 8, 2014 BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair, Norfolk, Va., was awarded a $13,9 million modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-4407) for the USS Wasp's DPMA. Work is expected to be completed by November.

May 20, USS Wasp undocked and moored at Pier 1 on BAE Systems shipyard; Returned to Naval Station Norfolk on Sept. 30; Underway for sea trials from Nov. 19-21; Underway again from Nov. 24-30.?

January 23, 2015 Capt. Kurt A. Kastner relieved Capt. Brian T. Teets as the 20th CO of USS Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at Naval Station Norfolk.

February 18, The Wasp departed homeport for a six-day underway to conduct Combat System Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT) Phase 2A in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Underway for CSSQT Phase 2B and Aviation Certification (AVCERT) from March 16-26; Underway for well deck certification from April 6-12; Underway again on April 19.

April 23, USS Wasp moored at Julia Street Wharf in downtown New Orleans, La., for a six-day port visit to participate in Fleet Week festivities.

May 3, USS Wasp moored at Berth 19/20, Pier 5 in Port Everglades, Fla., for a six-day port visit to participate in annual Broward County Navy Days Ft. Lauderdale; Returned to Naval Station Norfolk on May 12.

May 18, LHD 1 departed homeport for a three-week underway to conduct first Operational Test (OT-1) with four F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters, assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 201, and two from the Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT) 501 and also to conduct deck landing qualifications with the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 467.

June 16, The Wasp departed Berth 2, Pier 11 for an 11-day underway to conduct routine training off the coast of Virginia; Underway for INSURV Preps. from Sept. 21-26 and Sept. 28- Oct. 7; Moored at Berth 6, Pier 11 after a day-long underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey assessment on Oct. 19.

February 19, 2016 USS Wasp departed homeport to conduct sea trials in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Underway for burials at sea on March 5.

March 8, The amphibious assault ship recently moored at Pier 3 on Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J., for ammo onload; Commenced Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 22nd MEU, on March 14; Returned home on March 25.

April ?, Capt. Andrew F. Smith relieved Capt. Kurt A. Kastner as commanding officer of the Wasp.

April 24, USS Wasp moored at Berth 1, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk after a 17-day underway for ARG/MEU Exercise (MEUEX).

May 26, The Wasp moored at Berth 5, Pier 11 on Naval Station Norfolk after a 22-day underway for a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

June 25, USS Wasp departed Norfolk for a scheduled deployment, its first after nearly eleven years; Anchored in Onslow Bay, N.C., for onload from June 27-28.

July 8, LHD 1 arrived in the Gulf of Cadiz in support of President of the United States (POTUS) security operations.

July 12, USS Wasp recently arrived off Cap Draa, Morocco, in support of a bilateral training exercise African Lion 2016, between the United States and the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

July 16, The Wasp moored at Berth 2, Pier 1 in Naval Station Rota, Spain, for a brief port call; Transited the Strait of Gibraltar on July 17.

August 1, AV-8B Harriers and AH-1W Super Cobra helicopters, assigned to the Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HML/A) 467 detachments, embarked aboard the USS Wasp, commenced air strikes against Islamic State positions around Sirte, in northern Libya, in support of Operation Odyssey Lightning.

September 20, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Devin M. Faulkner died aboard the USS Wasp of a non-combat related injury, while the ship was underway in the Gulf of Sydra.

October 24, USS Wasp moored at Berth K10, East Refueling Wharf in Souda Bay, Crete, for an eight-day upkeep after 99 consecutive days at sea; Transited the Suez Canal southbound on Nov. 3.

November 2?, The Wasp moored at Aqaba Naval Base, Jordan, for agricultural counter-measure washdowns of all embarked equipment; Transited the Suez Canal northbound on Dec. 1; Conducted turnover with the USS San Antonio (LPD 17), in the Gulf of Sydra, on Dec. 4.

December 5, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair was awarded a $55,8 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-11-C-4407) for the Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA) of USS Wasp. Work is expected to be completed by May 2017.

December 11, The amphibious assault ship transited the Strait of Gibraltar westbound; Anchored in Onslow Bay, N.C., for offload and to embark "Tigers" from Dec. 20-22.

December 24, USS Wasp moored at Berth 1, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk following a six-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AoR.

January 11, 2017 The Wasp recently moored at Pier 1 on BAE Systems shipyard for a four-month availability.

June 8, USS Wasp moored at Berth 4, Pier 9 on Naval Station Norfolk after a two-day underway for sea trials; Underway for flight deck and well deck certifications on July 10.

July 23, LHD 1 moored at Berth A2/A4, Pier 3 on Naval Weapons Station Earle, N.J., for a six-day ammo onload; Returned home on July 30.

August 30, USS Wasp departed Norfolk for a homeport change to Sasebo, Japan, to replace the forward-deployed USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), after a two-day delay due to Potential Tropical Cyclone 10.

September 7, The Wasp arrived off the coast of U.S. Virgin Islands to provide humanitarian relief efforts after a Category 5 Hurricane Irma made landfall in the eastern Caribbean on Wednesday.

September 18, USS Wasp, along with the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), USNS William McLean (T-AKE 12) and SS Wright (T-AVB 3), diverted southwest of U.S. Virgin Islands to avoid the approaching Hurricane Maria.

September 22, The Wasp arrived off the coast of Dominica in support of Joint Task Force-Leeward Islands to provide humanitarian relief efforts, led by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

September 29, U.S. Southern Command released the Wasp from support of post-Hurricane Maria Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HA/DR) operations in Dominica and the ship will now join relief efforts for U.S. territories in the Caribbean; Embarked two MH-53E Sea Dragons, assigned to the "Blackhawks" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15, on Oct. 1; Embarked two MH-53E's, assigned to the "Vanguards" of Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14, on Oct. 2.

October 3, USS Wasp, with an embarked nine MH-60 Seahawks and four MH-53E Sea Dragons, arived in the vicinity of Puerto Rico.

October 30, The Wasp moored at Foxtrot Wharf on Naval Station Mayport, Fla., for an 18-day port call to conduct routine maintenance, after concluding HA/DR operations in the Caribbean Sea.

November 30, USS Wasp moored at Maua Pier in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a three-day liberty port visit; Anchored off Punta Arenas, Chile, for a brief stop on Dec. 10; Transited the Strait of Magellan on Dec. 11.

December 13, Capt John C. Howard relieved Capt. Andrew F. Smith as the 22nd CO of Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship, while underway in the southern Pacific Ocean.

December 28, USS Wasp moored at Pier H3 on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a five-day port visit to conduct emergent repairs after suffered a casualty to its anchor windlass while anchored in the Strait of Magellan; Anchored in Sasebo Harbor, Japan, on Jan. 13.

January 14, 2018 USS Wasp moored at Berth 7/8, India Basin in its new homeport of Fleet Activities Sasebo, following an extended four-and-a-half month transit from Norfolk, Va.

March 3, USS Wasp departed Sasebo for its first forward-deployed patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AoR); Anchored in Sasebo Harbor for ammo onload from March 3-4.

March 5, The Wasp embarked six F-35B Lightning IIs, assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, for the first operational deployment of Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft aboard the U.S. Navy ship.

March 15, LHD 1 moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, for a four-day port call to embark Marines and equipment from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU); Completed Amphibious Integration Training (AIT) on March 27.

March 30, USS Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 transited the Korean Strait northbound to participate in amphibious landing exercise Ssang Yong 2018, as part of the annual joint exercise Foal Eagle, off the coast of Pohang, ROK; The amphibious landing was cancelled due to bad weather on April 4.

April 9, USS Wasp, USS Green Bay (LPD 20), USS Ashland (LSD 48), USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Dewey (DDG 105) and JS Shimokita (LST 4002) participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX), while transiting the Korean Strait southbound; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) and USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8), while underway northeast of Okinawa, on April 10.

April 13, USS Wasp ESG commenced a Certification Exercise (CERTEX) while underway off the coast of Camp Schwab, Okinawa; Moored at Navy Pier, White Beach for offload from April 21-24.

April 26, USS Wasp moored at Berth 3, Juliet Basin Wharf on Fleet Activities Sasebo following an eight-week patrol.

July 17, The Wasp departed homeport for a three-day underway to conduct flight deck certification and carrier qualifications.

August 5, USS Wasp departed Fleet Activities Sasebo for a routine Fall Patrol; Anchored in Sasebo Harbor for ammo onload from Aug. 5-6.

August 14, The amphibious assault ship moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa for a week-long port call to to embark Marines and equipment; Anchored off White Beach for a brief stop on Aug. 24.

August 26, USS Wasp ARG participated in a photo exercise (PHOTOEX) with the USS Shoup (DDG 86) and JS Osumi (LST 4001), while underway off the east coast of Okinawa.

September 4, LHD 1 moored at Navy Pier again for a one-day port call to conduct offload and to embark the Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7 staff members, following the completion of Amphibious Integration Training (AIT) and Certification Exercise (CERTEX).

September 11, USS Wasp, along with the USS Ashland, recently arrived southeast of Guam; Completed disaster relief support, in the wake of Typhoon Mangkhut, on Sept. 13; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), off the coast of Guam, on Sept. 14.

September 15, Six F-35B Lightning II aircraft, assigned to the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, recently landed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in a biennial exercise Valiant Shield 2018.

September 22, USS Wasp, along with the USS Ashland, conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), while underway in the East China Sea; Transited the Luzon Strait westbound on Sept. 23.

October 2, USS Wasp moored at Berth 4, RSS Singapura for a five-day liberty port visit to Singapore; Transited the Luzon Strait eastbound on Oct. 13; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199), while underway in the East China Sea, on Oct. 20; Moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility for offload from Oct. 25-27.

October 29, USS Wasp moored at Berth 3, Juliet Basin Wharf on Fleet Activities Sasebo following a three-month patrol.

January 11, 2019 USS Wasp departed Fleet Activities Sasebo for an annual Spring Patrol.

January 12, The Wasp participated in a PHOTOEX with the USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and JS Kunisaki (LST 4003), while underway as a "show of force" in the East China Sea; Anchored off White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, for onload from Jan. 15-18.

January 21, The Wasp ARG conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8), while underway off the east coast of Okinawa; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) on Jan. 30.

February 7, LHD 1 moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility for a one-day port call following the completion of AIT/CERTEX; Transited the Osumi Strait westbound on Feb. 13.

February 14, USS Wasp moored at Berth 3, Juliet Basin Wharf on Fleet Activities Sasebo for upkeep; Resumed patrol on March 22; Moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility from March 26-27.

March 30, The Wasp moored at Alava Pier in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, for a three-day port call in support of training exercise Balikatan 2019; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) on April 4; Participated in a PHOTOEX with the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF 16) and BRP Tarlac (LD 601) on April 5; Moored at Alava Pier, for a two-day port call, on April 12.

April 13, Capt. Christopher H. Herr relieved Capt John C. Howard as CO of the Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

April 17, The amphibious assault ship arrived off the east coast of Okinawa, Japan, for offload; Moored at Berth 3, Juliet Basin Wharf in Fleet Activities Sasebo on April 19.

May 17, Rear Adm. Fred W. Kacher relieved Rear Adm. Charles B. Cooper as Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Wasp.

May 22, USS Wasp departed Fleet Activities Sasebo in support of the POTUS scheduled visit to Japan; Moored at Berth 12, Fleet Activities Yokosuka from May 24-29.

June 2, The Wasp moored at Navy Pier on White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, for a one-day port call; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) on June 8; Transited the Vitiaz Strait southbound on June 13.?

June 18, USS Wasp moored at FBE Berth 1, Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney, Australia, for a four-day port visit before participating in AIT/CERTEX at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, ahead of biennial exercise Talisman Sabre 2019.

July 9, The Wasp ARG conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4) and USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204), while underway off the coast of Queensland; Moored at Grain Wharf in Port of Brisbane, Australia, from July 26-31; Moored at Navy Pier, White Beach Naval Facility for offload from Aug. 13-16.

August 17, USS Wasp moored at Berth 3, Juliet Basin Wharf in Fleet Activities Sasebo following a three-month patrol; Moved to Akasaki Pier on Aug. 2?.

August 27, USS Wasp, commanded by Capt. Gregory L. Baker, departed Sasebo for a homeport change to Norfolk, Va., after forward-deployed to Japan for a year-and-a-half; Transited the Osumi Strait eastbound on Aug. 27; Arrived off the coast of San Diego on Sept. 12.

September 13, The Wasp moored at Berth 5, Pier 13 on Naval Base San Diego for a 13-day port call to embark the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-WASP.

October 13, USS Wasp moored at Berth 1, South Pacific Terminal in Port of Valparaiso, Chile, for an extended week-long visit; Transited the Strait of Magellan from Oct. 24-25.

October 30, USS Wasp moored at Maua Wharf in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a five-day liberty port visit.

November 18, USS Wasp moored at Berth 4, Pier 10 in its new homeport of Naval Station Norfolk after a three-month transit from Sasebo, Japan.

May 8, 2020 The Wasp moored at Berth 6, Pier 10 after a week-long underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area, following a four-month Super Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV); Underway again on May 27; Moored at Berth 3, Pier 12 on June 3.

June 22, The Wasp moored at Berth 3, Pier 12 on Naval Station Norfolk after a two-week underway in the Virginia Capes and Cherry Point Op. Areas; Underway again on June 25.

From June 26-28, USS Wasp participated in a training exercise with the 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, while underway off the coast of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Returned home on July 15; Underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area from Aug. 24- Sept. 1; Underway again on Sept. 7.

September 9, LHD 1 moored at Wharf C2 on Naval Station Mayport for a two-day port call; Participated in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise Black Widow from Sept. 12-17; Returned home on Sept. 18; Underway again on Sept. 28; Conducted operations off the coast of Camp Lejeune, N.C., from Sept. 29- Oct. 5.

October 7, USS Wasp moored at Berth 3, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway again on Oct. 24; Moored at Wharf C2 on Naval Station Mayport from Oct. 26-27 and Oct. 31- Nov. 3; Brief stop off the coast of Virginia Beach, before participating in an anti-submarine warfare exercise, on Nov. 13; Returned home on Nov. 24.

November 24, BAE Systems Norfolk Ship Repair was awarded a $197,4 million contract for the USS Wasp's Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (DSRA). This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $237,8 million and the work is expected to be completed by May 2022.

December 10, Capt. Kevin P. Zayac relieved Capt. Gregory L. Baker as the 25th CO of Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

January 30, 2021 USS Wasp moored at Berth 1, Pier 10 on Naval Station Norfolk after a five-day underway for Type Commander's Amphibious Training (TCAT), off the coast of Camp Lejeune, with the 2nd Landing Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group; Moved "dead-stick" to Titan Dry Dock in BAE Systems shipyard on Feb. 17.

January 19, 2022 USS Wasp undocked and moored at Pier 1 on BAE Systems shipyard.

March 11, Capt. Nakia M. Cooper relieved Capt. Kevin P. Zayac as CO of the Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

July 28, USS Wasp moved "dead-stick" from BAE Systems shipyard to Berth 6, Pier 11 on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway for sea trials on March 13, 2023; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 11 on March 15.

March 31, The Wasp moored at Berth 6, Pier 11 on Naval Station Norfolk after a three-day underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area; Underway again from April 3-7; Underway for routine training and flight deck certification, in the Virginia Capes Op. Area, on April 17; Moored at Berth 4, Pier 9 on May 11; Underway again on May 22.

May 24, USS Wasp moored at Manhattan's Pier 88S in New York City, N.Y., for a six-day port visit to participate in the annual Fleet Week celebration; Moored at Berth 6, Pier 11 on June 1.

June 2, Rear Adm. Joseph F. Cahill relieved Rear Adm. Brendan R. McLane as Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the LHD 1.

June 8, USS Wasp moored at Berth 2, Pier 11 on Naval Station Norfolk after a two-day underway, off the coast of Virginia, for well deck certification; Underway again on June 23.

June 28, USS Wasp moored at Berth 1 in Nassau Cruise Port, The Bahamas, for a three-day liberty visit in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of The Bahamian independence.

July 3, The Wasp moored at Berth 6, Pier 11 on Naval Station Norfolk; Underway again on July 11; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 14 on July 12.

August 25, Rear Adm. Benjamin R. Nicholson relieved Rear Adm. Thomas R. Williams, II as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the LHD 1.

September 9, USS Wasp moored at Berth 5, Pier 14 on Naval Station Norfolk after a four-day underway in the Virginia Capes Op. Area, following a Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV); Underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment from Sept. 11-12; Moved to Berth 6, Pier 6 on Sept. 25.

September 29, Capt. Christopher M. Purcell relieved Capt. Nakia M. Cooper as CO of the Wasp during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

October 7, USS Wasp departed Naval Station Norfolk for a Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise, in the Cherry Point and Virginia Capes Op. Area; Returned home for emergent repairs, after suffered an engineering casualty, on Oct. 14.

March 12, 2024 USS Wasp departed Naval Station Norfolk for sea trials off the coast of Virginia; Moored at Berth 1, Pier 10, after suffered an engineering casualty, on March 13; Moved to Berth 6, Pier 6 on March 19; Underway again from March 26-28; Underway for a combined COMPTUEX on April 6.