The fictional ship is USS Guadalcanal (LHA-9). Two ships of the US Navy have borne the name Guadalcanal. The first was CVE-60, an escort aircraft carrier of the Casablanca class, which served 1943-46. The second was LPH-7, an amphibious assault (helicopter) ship of the Iwo Jima class, which served 1963-94. LHA-9 does not exist in truth, for the highest numbered LHA is USS Tripoli (LHA-7), also an amphibious assault (helicopter) ship of the America class, which is still in the planning stages and not yet under construction.