No other vessels in the world is comparable to the USS Saipan.  A US first class amphibious assault ship, she has  30 Marine Corps helicopters ready for action.  Her giant stern gale provided access to a mobile harbor basin where 30 landing crafts, laden with soldiers, tanks, jeeps, ammunition, lie in readiness for whatever action needed. 

During the week of June 26, 2005 Saipan was one of two American military vessels (the other being the USCGC Eagle) to participate in the Royal Navy International Fleet Review in the waters off of Portsmouth, England. This review, conducted by Queen Elizabeth and other members of the Royal Family, consisted of a parade of more than 166 ships from around the world. This event also coincided with the 2005 International Festival of the Sea and Trafalgar 200 celebration.

Saipan’s awards include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal (two awards), Humanitarian Service Medal, Battle Efficiency "E" (four awards), the Admiral Flatley Safety Award (two awards), the Sledge Award, the Atlantic Fleet Surface Force "Admiral’s Cup" in 1985, COMPHIBRON Twelve’s "Bronze Anchor" for retention excellence, and the 1993 COMNAVSURFLANT Command Excellence Award for Command and Control, Maritime Warfare and Logistics Management.

USS Saipan is featured in the Tom Clancy novel Red Storm Rising (1986). While transporting 2,500 Marines as part of an Atlantic convoy she is struck by several Soviet AS-6 Kingfish missiles and is destroyed.

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This model features:

- Plank-on-frame, hollow hull construction.   Solid hull is unrealistic and will crack.
 
- All parts are wood and metal. 

- "Rusted"  appearance that only master modelers can produce.

- Can be opened up for RC installation.  Working propellers and rudders. 
 
25" L x 5" W x 15" T        SALE      $490         S & H is $60

Add a case: www.modelshipmaster.com/products/accessory/displaycase.htm