On May 1st 1996 I checked aboard my first US Naval Ship, The USS Peleliu LHA-5, aka The Iron Nickel. We sailors had some other names for her, The ‘Liu, Living Hell Afloat, Cell Block 5, The Death Star, ect… but we loved her, and our fellow shipmates.  I am using the positive form of that term, not the derogatory version….  I made many great friends, lifetime ones in fact. I learned a lot about “the real Navy”, leadership, and life in general. I have many great sea stories to tell, and I do tell them, just ask my friends and family. 

Today this “The Greatest Ship, in the Greatest Fleet, in the Greatest Navy” is going to be decommissioned, to her and all whom have served on her, Fair Winds and Following Seas!

From former RMSN, RM3, RM2, IT2(SW) (while onboard and eventually IT1(SW)) Sean Ryan Russell aka Rusty (RST), Russell the LM, and Scleem Scleem