etired from the United States Navy, Captain David Schnell works for the Americas Commercial and State Transportation Group in his capacity as vice president of its electronic tolling operation. While in the Navy, Captain David Schnell oversaw the U.S.S. Peleliu, a Tarawa-class ship, as its commanding officer.

1. U.S. Navy Vessels - Tarawa-class
Ships
Captain David Schnell

2. Introduction
• Retired from the United States Navy, Captain David Schnell works
for the Americas Commercial and State Transportation Group in his
capacity as vice president of its electronic tolling operation. While in
the Navy, Captain David Schnell oversaw the U.S.S. Peleliu, a
Tarawa-class ship, as its commanding officer.
Tarawa-class naval vessels, a type of amphibious assault ship, have a
platform that allows them to project power by launching aircraft
and by attacking from the sea. This made them a particularly
versatile asset for the Navy, especially during conflicts like
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
During these operations, a Tarawa-class vessel served as the means
to deploy ground troops and assault helicopters to fight the enemy.

3. Tarawa-class Ships
• The first Tarawa-class ships were commissioned
in 1976. Over the following four years, four other
such ships were commissioned. After decades of
service, these were gradually decommissioned,
the last one serving until 2015.
A similar type of ship, the America-class vessel,
now serves in the role the Tarawa-class once
played.