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General Characteristics Crew List Memorabilia Cruise Books In the News History Image Gallery to end of page |  |
USS ANCHORAGE was the lead ship of the ANCHORAGE - class of Dock Landing Ships and the first ship in the Navy named after the largest city of Alaska. The ANCHORAGE was last homeported in San Diego, Calif., and was the last ship in her class to be decommissioned.
The ship completed 19 Western Pacific deployments and was the most decorated dock landing ship on the West Coast. The ANCHORAGE returned home in July 2003 from a surge deployment as part of Task Force 51, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). During that six-month deployment, ANCHORAGE disembarked Marines and supplies from Landing Force West during the opening stages of OIF. Later, the ship provided logistic support to U.S. forces stationed on captured offshore gas and oil platforms near the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr. ANCHORAGE also conducted a "desert tortoise" mission during OIF. This task involved loading up 100,000 lbs. of mail, 232 pallets of cargo and 71 Sailors from Bahrain and delivering them to the other amphibious ships in the task force patrolling the Persian Gulf.
The ANCHORAGE has served notable roles in military operations and humanitarian efforts since it was commissioned March 15, 1969, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va. During the end of the Vietnam War, the ship carried Marines back to the United States as part of Operation "Keystone Bluejay," a planned withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam.
In 1991 during Operation Desert Storm, ANCHORAGE controlled the largest offload of landing craft in support of combat operations. These actions earned the ship the Navy Unit Citation and the South West Asia Service Medal (2 stars).
ANCHORAGE was called upon in 2000 to provide support for the crew of USS COLE (DDG 67) after a small boat laden with explosives blew up alongside the destroyer as it refueled in Aden, Yemen, tearing a hole in its side and killing 17 Sailors.
The ANCHORAGE was sunk as a target during exercise RIMPAC 2010 off the coast of Kauai, Hi., on July 17, 2010.
| General Characteristics: | Awarded: June 29, 1965 |
| Keel laid: March 13, 1967 | |
| Launched: May 5, 1968 | |
| Commissioned: March 15, 1969 | |
| Decommissioned: October 1, 2003 | |
| Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss. | |
| Propulsion system: two 600 psi boilers | |
| Propellers: two | |
| Length: 553 feet (168.6 meters) | |
| Beam: 85 feet (25.9 meters) | |
| Draft: 18 feet (5.5 meters) | |
| Displacement: approx. 14,000 tons full load | |
| Speed: 22 knots | |
| Well deck capacity: three LCAC | |
| Aircraft: none, but helicopter platform | |
| Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 340 enlisted | |
| Marine Detachment: 330 Marines | |
| Armament: two |
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageCrew List:
This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS ANCHORAGE. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.
back to top go to the end of the pageback to top go to the end of the pageUSS ANCHORAGE Cruise Books:
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back to top go to the end of the pageUSS ANCHORAGE History:
USS ANCHORAGE was built by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation at Pascagoula, Mississippi. The construction contract was awarded on June 29, 1965, her keel was laid on March 13, 1967, and she was launched on May 5, 1968. Virginia Nicholson Heyward, wife of Vice Admiral Alexander S. Heyward Jr., served as sponsor. The ship was delivered to the Navy on February 20, 1969. ANCHORAGE was commissioned at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, on March 15, 1969, with Captain Percy Stuart Beaman as her first commanding officer. The ship entered Dry Dock No. 4 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard on March 21 for inspection of the underwater hull and correction of deficiencies discovered during construction and acceptance. She left dry dock on April 14. Fuel was taken aboard for the first time on May 1, dock trials were conducted on May 21, and on May 24 the ship passed from the special commissioning status associated with completion and trials into normal commissioned status. Ammunition was loaded on May 27.
ANCHORAGE departed Norfolk on May 29, 1969, for Charleston, South Carolina, beginning her first independent voyage. She subsequently operated in the Bahamas during standardization and engineering trials associated with the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center near Andros Island. She visited Port Everglades, Florida, on June 7, began operations near Andros Island on June 9, and returned to Norfolk on June 12. Later that month she visited Annapolis, Maryland. On June 25, three 44-foot sailing yawls were placed aboard for transportation. During this general period she also transported a Ryan FR Fireball aircraft.
The ship then began her transfer to the Pacific Fleet and to her permanent home port at San Diego, California. Her route included Mayport and Port Everglades, followed by transit of the Panama Canal. ANCHORAGE was in the Panama Canal Zone from July 15 through July 18 and transferred to Pacific Fleet operational control during the passage. She arrived at San Diego on July 26, 1969.
Final acceptance trials were conducted on August 11 and August 12. ANCHORAGE subsequently completed qualification and training work in the Southern California operating areas before departing for the San Francisco Bay region on October 29. She entered the naval shipyard at Vallejo for post-shakedown work. After ammunition and fuel had been removed, she entered Dry Dock No. 3 on November 4. The yard period continued through most of November and December, and the ship left dry dock on December 29. This work completed the major corrective phase following construction, commissioning, acceptance trials, and her transfer to the Pacific Fleet.
ANCHORAGE entered operational service connected with the Vietnam War early in 1970. On January 31, she departed California in support of Operation Keystone Blue Jay, one of the movements associated with the continuing withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam. She reached Da Nang on February 19 and embarked personnel, vehicles, and equipment belonging to the 7th Motor Transport Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps. She departed Da Nang on February 24 for the trans-Pacific voyage to the United States. During subsequent unloading at Camp Del Mar, an M54 truck and its trailer were accidentally lost into approximately seven fathoms of water during landing-craft operations. ANCHORAGE returned to San Diego on March 13. Her service in Vietnamese waters during this period qualified for Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 campaign credit.
After local training during April, ANCHORAGE departed San Diego again on May 1, 1970, for her first full Western Pacific deployment as a unit of Amphibious Squadron Five. Other important ships of the squadron included USS OKINAWA (LPH 3), USS MOBILE (LKA 115), and USS DULUTH (LPD 6). ANCHORAGE reached Pearl Harbor on May 6, continued westward, passed Johnston Atoll on May 11, crossed the International Date Line on May 12, and arrived at Yokosuka, Japan, on May 19. She subsequently operated at Kin Red Beach and Chin Wan Bay on Okinawa and entered Buckner Bay on May 30.
During the following months, ANCHORAGE operated extensively throughout the western Pacific. Her movements included the Philippines, Okinawa, Sasebo, Hong Kong, and several Vietnamese ports and anchorages, including Da Nang, Cam Ranh Bay, Vung Tau, and An Thoi. Her assignments combined Marine transportation, amphibious training, landing-craft operations, logistics movements, and direct support of U.S. activities connected with the war in Vietnam. ANCHORAGE operated at An Thoi from June 11 through June 14. Security precautions against possible swimmers or underwater attack formed part of the normal defensive routine in the anchorage. On June 12, the ship went to general quarters after suspicious bubbles were observed near USS TUTUILA (ARG 4), although no confirmed attack resulted.
The ship accumulated a number of separate periods of qualifying Vietnam service during the deployment, including June 7 through June 18 and June 26 through June 28, followed by additional periods in July, August, September, October, and November as she repeatedly entered and left Vietnamese waters while carrying personnel and material. While visiting Hong Kong in September, ANCHORAGE put to sea on September 12 because of Typhoon Georgia and returned after the immediate danger had passed on September 14. On October 2, a landing craft operating in the well deck punctured the port side of the well-deck structure. On October 9, ANCHORAGE made minor contact with DULUTH while backing away from the other amphibious ship. Damage was limited and did not prevent continued operations.
During October, ANCHORAGE was diverted to humanitarian work in the Philippines after Typhoons Joan and Kate caused extensive destruction. On October 24, she operated in the Lagonoy Gulf area with OKINAWA and DULUTH. Helicopters of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164 flew repeated relief sorties from the amphibious force. Over a period of several days, approximately 70 helicopter sorties delivered about 65 tons of supplies, while medical personnel treated more than 1,000 people. ANCHORAGE subsequently anchored at Subic Bay on October 26 before resuming scheduled operations.
At the end of the deployment, ANCHORAGE crossed the International Date Line eastbound on December 4 and arrived back at San Diego on December 10, 1970. During the deployment she had steamed more than 42,000 miles while combining Vietnam support, amphibious training, Marine transportation, port visits throughout the western Pacific, and humanitarian assistance in the Philippines.
Early in 1971, ANCHORAGE received a different type of logistics assignment. On February 20, she loaded construction material at Port Hueneme, California, for transportation to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The cargo supported construction of the developing American communications facility on the island. She departed California on February 22 and crossed the equator on March 2. ANCHORAGE reached Sydney, Australia, on March 13. During maneuvering there she made minor contact with a German merchant ship, but the incident did not result in serious structural damage. The ship was opened to visitors on March 14 and departed Sydney on March 18. She arrived at Perth on March 24. Captain Cyrus Albert Rank relieved Captain Beaman on March 25.
After leaving Perth, ANCHORAGE continued across the Indian Ocean and reached Diego Garcia on April 4. Construction materials were unloaded, and she departed the following day for Subic Bay. During the passage she encountered and photographed a Soviet minesweeper, reflecting the routine observation and documentation of Soviet naval activity practiced by U.S. ships during the Cold War.
After maintenance and replenishment in the Philippines, ANCHORAGE visited Hong Kong from April 17 through April 22 and then proceeded to Da Nang. There, she supported Operation Keystone Robin Charlie, another phase of the withdrawal of American Marine forces from South Vietnam. The ship embarked personnel of the 11th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Marine Division, together with 86 vehicles and more than 650 short tons of equipment and supplies. She departed Da Nang on April 23 for the United States. During the eastbound crossing, she rendezvoused with USS DURHAM (LKA 114) on May 7. ANCHORAGE arrived at San Diego on May 11 and began unloading the returning Marine personnel and equipment.
The ship resumed amphibious exercises during June. From July 20 through July 30, she underwent refresher training, and in early August she acted as primary control ship during a Reserve Marine Amphibious Unit landing exercise off Camp Pendleton. Participating ships included USS DENVER (LPD 9), USS TRIPOLI (LPH 10), USS SCHENECTADY (LST 1185), MOBILE, USS BENICIA (PGM 96), and USS DOUGLAS (PGM 100). Training included surface and helicopter landings, antisubmarine and antiair warfare, communications, shore bombardment, replenishment, boat control, helicopter control, and towing procedures.
On August 16, 1971, ANCHORAGE departed San Diego for a visit to Anchorage, Alaska, the city for which she had been named. She arrived on August 21 and remained until August 26. The ship was opened to the public on August 25. She subsequently proceeded south through Alameda and Port Hueneme, where additional equipment including causeway sections was handled, and returned to San Diego on September 1.
ANCHORAGE departed again on October 1, 1971, for another Western Pacific deployment. She operated extensively with TRIPOLI, DULUTH, and other Pacific Fleet amphibious ships. Following a call at Pearl Harbor, she continued to Okinawa, where Marines and equipment were embarked, and thereafter operated among Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Movements included repeated runs between Subic Bay and Vung Tau as well as calls at Kaohsiung and Sasebo. Several separate periods in October, November, and December qualified as Vietnam campaign service.
ANCHORAGE began 1972 at Hong Kong before returning to Subic Bay. From January 7 through January 16, she underwent repair work in the floating dry dock COMPETENT (AFDM 6). She thereafter resumed transport and amphibious assignments. Following another visit to Okinawa, she departed Subic Bay on January 27 for a circuit that included Da Nang, Qui Nhon, and Vung Tau and returned to Subic Bay on February 3. On February 5, ANCHORAGE participated in Exercise Zam 2-72 in the Zambales training area of the Philippines. Battalion Landing Team 3/4 conducted an amphibious landing in successive surface waves with helicopter support. The ship then proceeded toward Singapore, crossed the equator on February 9, visited Singapore from February 10 through February 15, and returned to Subic Bay on February 22.
On March 7, ANCHORAGE departed for Kure, Japan, in company with TRIPOLI, DULUTH, and SCHENECTADY. They arrived on March 11, departed on March 17, and returned to the Philippines later in the month. At the end of March the military situation in South Vietnam changed sharply when North Vietnamese forces opened the offensive generally known as the Easter Offensive. On March 31, ANCHORAGE joined forces associated with Task Force 76, whose amphibious command ship was USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19). From April 2 into early May, she operated with the enlarged amphibious force off Vietnam. Other amphibious ships involved during this period included TRIPOLI, DULUTH, SCHENECTADY, USS WESTCHESTER COUNTY (LST 1167), DENVER, MOBILE, and USS TUSCALOOSA (LST 1187).
ANCHORAGE operated at Da Nang on May 3 and supported amphibious-vehicle and cargo-transfer activity. She left the Vietnam area on May 6 for Subic Bay but returned later in the month for further well-deck lifts between Vung Tau, Hoi An, and Da Nang. On May 24, 1972, ANCHORAGE participated in Operation Song Thanh 6-72. The operation involved South Vietnamese amphibious forces supported by U.S. naval units. Naval gunfire, air support, and artillery preceded the landing. During the operation, hostile shore fire fell near ANCHORAGE. Between six and eight rounds were observed landing near the ship's port side. None struck the ship and no casualties were recorded aboard. Her participation on May 24 subsequently qualified ANCHORAGE for the Combat Action Ribbon.
Vietnam support continued into June. After another operational period off the coast, ANCHORAGE reached Okinawa on June 14, embarked troops and equipment, and returned to the Philippines. Additional amphibious exercises and transportation runs between Subic Bay and Vung Tau followed. She departed Vung Tau on July 1 and reached Subic Bay on July 3. During a later departure toward Kaohsiung, leakage developed in the rudder area and required continuous pumping. ANCHORAGE returned to Subic Bay and entered a floating dry dock for emergency repairs. Work was completed rapidly enough for the ship to depart again on July 9.
ANCHORAGE returned to San Diego on July 24, 1972. On August 4, USS FRESNO (LST 1182) made contact with her port quarter while coming alongside, damaging safety nets and antenna equipment but causing no serious structural damage. Captain Robert Newton Congdon relieved Captain Rank on August 10. The remainder of the year was spent principally in local maintenance and training.
The Paris Peace Accords were signed on January 27, 1973. ANCHORAGE was at San Diego when the ceasefire framework took effect. She proceeded to Seal Beach on January 30 to unload ammunition in preparation for overhaul work. The overhaul began during February, and she entered dry dock at San Diego on March 5. During the overhaul, a fire broke out aboard ANCHORAGE. The damage and resulting corrective work contributed to extending the yard period. ANCHORAGE remained in dry dock until April 11, while further repairs, modifications, testing, and post-overhaul work continued after she had been refloated.
A fast cruise was conducted on September 12, dock trials followed on September 22, and sea trials began on September 23. Captain Louis Pelayo Aldana relieved Captain Congdon on September 25. During October, ANCHORAGE returned to public and operational activity in San Diego and subsequently underwent refresher training and amphibious qualification work in preparation for renewed overseas deployment.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on December 8, 1973, for a deployment extending into April 1974. Heavy weather was encountered during the Pacific crossing. The ship proceeded by way of Guam toward the Philippines. On December 28, a medical emergency caused a temporary diversion toward Guam until the patient could be evacuated by U.S. Air Force helicopter, after which ANCHORAGE resumed the passage toward Subic Bay. During January 1974, the ship carried out a succession of Marine transport missions. On January 10, she proceeded toward Okinawa, where personnel and equipment belonging to Marine Air Control Squadron 4 and Marine Air Support Squadron 2 were embarked. On January 13, a U.S. Army landing craft alongside accidentally damaged life-raft fittings when its mast struck the ship.
ANCHORAGE departed Okinawa on January 14 for Pohang, South Korea, arrived on January 16, and unloaded Marines, vehicles, equipment, and aviation fuel. She then proceeded toward Iwakuni, Japan. During the transit on January 17 she experienced two close encounters with merchant shipping in restricted waters, including one involving the Greek merchant ship ARISTEIDES, but avoided collision. At Iwakuni, ANCHORAGE loaded additional Marine air-control and communications personnel and their vehicles, generators, crash equipment, and other material. She departed on January 19, returned to Pohang on January 20, and unloaded the equipment and additional aviation fuel. Further movements during the following weeks took the ship through Sasebo, Ulsan, Pohang, Pusan, Okinawa, and the Philippines.
On February 14, ANCHORAGE departed Subic Bay for another Diego Garcia mission. She passed through the Strait of Malacca, crossed the equator on February 22, and on February 23 temporarily diverted to assist a Japanese fishing vessel that had grounded near Nelsons Island north of Diego Garcia. She reached Diego Garcia on February 25. ANCHORAGE remained in the Diego Garcia area until March 12 while supporting logistics and construction work connected with expansion of the American facility. During the eastbound passage, she crossed the equator on March 14, visited Singapore from March 18 through March 21, returned to Subic Bay on March 24, and later called at Guam and Pearl Harbor. She reached San Diego on April 18 after steaming more than 25,000 miles during the deployment.
After post-deployment leave and upkeep, ANCHORAGE resumed operations in July. On July 22, she conducted amphibious work off Camp Del Mar. During anchor recovery on July 23, it was discovered that an anchor had separated from the ship, and the position was marked so that recovery could subsequently be attempted. ANCHORAGE then sailed north. She reached Seattle on August 2 and continued toward Alaskan waters. Between August 7 and August 22, she supported a detailed survey of possible amphibious operating areas along the Alaskan coastline. Scientists, survey personnel, divers, helicopter crews, landing-craft crews, and Marines examined potential beaches and approach areas. Locations surveyed included Sitka Sound, Shelikof Bay, Sea Lion Cove, Sitka Harbor, Sea Otter Creek, the Doame River area, Dry Bay, Cape Suckling, Hinchinbrook Island, and Patton Bay. Geological and geodetic work was also carried out.
ANCHORAGE reached Anchorage, Alaska, on August 23 and was opened to visitors the following day, when more than 2,000 people came aboard. She departed on August 26, carried out additional work around Hinchinbrook Island, and began the southbound passage at the end of August. On October 17, ANCHORAGE unloaded ammunition at Seal Beach and then entered Long Beach Naval Shipyard for a restricted availability. Work continued into December. She completed the availability on December 16 and resumed preparation for another Western Pacific deployment.
Early in 1975, ANCHORAGE conducted amphibious, helicopter, and readiness exercises. On January 15, underwater-demolition personnel carried out a simulated swimmer attack while the ship was anchored in Coronado Roads, providing training in defense against underwater intrusion. Operational-readiness examinations followed during February.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on March 28, 1975, as part of a Pacific amphibious force that included DENVER, USS MOUNT VERNON (LSD 39), and DULUTH. She reached Pearl Harbor on April 4, departed on April 6, and continued across the Pacific. Early deployment operations included Okinawa, Iwakuni, Numazu, and Subic Bay. ANCHORAGE arrived at Subic Bay on April 28. The rapidly deteriorating situation in South Vietnam caused the amphibious forces to prepare immediately for Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American citizens and designated Vietnamese from Saigon as North Vietnamese forces approached the capital. ANCHORAGE was assigned within the Task Force 76 amphibious organization supporting the evacuation. The larger force included BLUE RIDGE, OKINAWA, USS VANCOUVER (LPD 2), USS THOMASTON (LSD 28), USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8), DURHAM, USS FREDERICK (LST 1184), DENVER, DULUTH, MOBILE, and other supporting ships.
The principal helicopter evacuation began on April 29 and continued into April 30. The final operational summary specifically recorded ANCHORAGE as not having arrived on the primary evacuation station during the helicopter phase. She did reach Vietnamese waters on April 30 and performed supporting duties within the broader evacuation organization. Her officially credited service nevertheless includes April 29 and April 30 for the evacuation operation, and the ship received campaign and unit recognition associated with the final withdrawal from South Vietnam. ANCHORAGE was in the Vung Tau holding area on May 1 and left the area on May 2. Operation Frequent Wind marked her final direct operational association with the Vietnam War.
Another regional crisis followed almost immediately when Cambodian Khmer Rouge forces seized the American merchant ship SS MAYAGUEZ on May 12, 1975. ANCHORAGE was ordered south and held in a supporting posture in case further amphibious forces were required. The merchant ship's crew was recovered and the direct military action ended before ANCHORAGE was required to participate in the assault itself.
The remainder of the 1975 deployment consisted of Marine transportation, amphibious exercises, and port calls throughout the western Pacific. Confirmed locations included Subic Bay and Manila in the Philippines; Iwakuni, Numazu, Okinawa, Sasebo, and Yokosuka in Japan; Inchon and Pohang in South Korea; and Hong Kong. Captain Arthur St. Clair Wright relieved Captain Aldana at Inchon on June 28. The schedule was periodically altered by major tropical storms, including Typhoons Nina, Alice, and Betty.
ANCHORAGE began the homeward passage on October 28. From October 28 through November 9, the amphibious squadron participated in Operation Polymode, an oceanographic survey carried out during the eastward transit. Seven amphibious ships steamed in an extended formation while collecting repeated surface-salinity and upper-ocean-temperature measurements. ANCHORAGE arrived at Pearl Harbor on November 9, departed the following day, and reached San Diego on November 16, 1975.
Much of 1976 consisted of local operations, maintenance, and training. During the first months of the year, ANCHORAGE made several short underway periods in Southern California and calls at Seal Beach. In May, she entered a maintenance period at the Mole Pier. Rear Admiral Samuel Gravely visited the ship on June 2, and Rear Admiral Reuben Rogerson established his flag aboard on June 7. Dock trials followed on June 28, after which ANCHORAGE returned to local operations.
A proposed Bicentennial-period cruise to Alaska was canceled, but the ship departed for San Francisco on July 14 and later returned to San Diego. On August 6, she conducted swimmer-defense training in Coronado Roads. During August, she also exercised with USS HORNE (CG 30) and VANCOUVER in boarding, search, communications, formation, and fleet-training evolutions. On August 8, a fire in the incinerator room activated the sprinkler system and caused flooding that damaged electrical equipment in the compartment. Live-fire training, drone engagements, replenishment exercises, and maneuvering drills continued later in the month.
Captain John Robert Lund relieved Captain Wright on September 1, 1976. Captain Paul Isham Bledsoe subsequently relieved Captain Lund on November 24. ANCHORAGE spent most of the final months of the year in port preparing for the next deployment cycle.
The ship entered 1977 with an intensive training schedule. Amphibious exercises during January were followed by refresher training from January 31 through March 10. After final preparations ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on March 29 for the Western Pacific. Her task unit included USS ST. LOUIS (LKA 116), USS JUNEAU (LPD 10), USS ALAMO (LSD 33), SCHENECTADY, USS CAYUGA (LST 1186), and TUSCALOOSA. Following a brief stop at Pearl Harbor, ANCHORAGE continued across the Pacific. She operated at Enewetak and came under Seventh Fleet operational control on April 12. Cargo and vehicles were handled there before the ship reached Guam on April 15. She remained until April 20 and subsequently proceeded to the Philippines, reaching Subic Bay on April 27.
During the following months, ANCHORAGE operated widely in East and Southeast Asia. She visited Keelung, Taiwan, from May 12 through May 16 and participated in operations with an amphibious force that included USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH 11), ST. LOUIS, and CAYUGA. Training in the Philippines included amphibious activity in the Mindoro area during May. Manila was visited in June, followed by Hong Kong at the end of the month. Typhoon conditions forced ANCHORAGE to leave Hong Kong on July 5. She reached Okinawa on July 8 and conducted intensive helicopter operations before proceeding south.
The ship visited Singapore from July 20 through July 25 and later returned toward the Philippines. Further training was conducted in the Zambales area during early August. Operations between Okinawa, the Philippines, Japan, Guam, and other western Pacific locations continued through the following months. One of the principal exercises of the deployment was Fortress Lightning, conducted from October 10 through October 23, 1977, on and around Mindoro Island in the Philippines. ANCHORAGE formed part of Amphibious Ready Group Alfa with NEW ORLEANS, ST. LOUIS, and CAYUGA. Other amphibious forces participated in parallel groupings. The exercise involved large-scale Marine amphibious and helicopter operations.
On October 21, a Marine Corps CH-53D helicopter involved in Fortress Lightning crashed into Hill 434 on Mindoro Island. Thirty-seven people were aboard. Twenty-four were killed and thirteen survived. The accident occurred during the wider amphibious exercise in which ANCHORAGE and the other ships were participating.
ANCHORAGE began her return voyage during November. She departed Guam on November 2, later stopped at Pearl Harbor, and arrived at San Diego on November 17. During December, one of the ship's original 3-inch gun mounts was removed as part of the continuing reduction and modernization of her original gun armament.
The first months of 1978 were devoted to local logistics and training. ANCHORAGE transported steel pontoon material from Port Hueneme in January and sailed north to Bremerton and Seattle during February before returning to Southern California in early March. After additional local operations and ammunition handling, she entered a major overhaul.
On April 14, 1978, the fleet tug USS ABNAKI (ATF 96) towed ANCHORAGE to Long Beach Naval Shipyard. The overhaul formally began the following day. She entered Dry Dock No. 1 on May 4. Work included inspection and repair of the hull, machinery, piping, electrical equipment, habitability spaces, and other systems. Portions of the flight deck and other structures were opened or removed to allow access. ANCHORAGE left dry dock on July 25, although extensive engineering and topside work continued alongside. Captain Robert Douglas Forster relieved Captain Bledsoe on August 29. Testing became increasingly important toward the end of the year. A fast cruise was conducted on December 11, followed by dock trials and sea trials from December 13 through December 15. Additional post-overhaul work followed, and ANCHORAGE returned to San Diego on January 15, 1979.
The first eight months of 1979 were occupied principally by post-overhaul correction work, refresher training, amphibious refresher training, inspections, and qualification exercises. On September 24, ANCHORAGE participated in Exercise Kernel Potlatch II, a combined American-Canadian amphibious exercise centered on northern Vancouver Island. The exercise included an amphibious landing and associated operations with Canadian forces. ANCHORAGE subsequently visited Esquimalt, British Columbia, before returning south. Marines were debarked at Camp Pendleton, and the ship arrived at San Diego on October 13.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on January 4, 1980, for another Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment. She crossed the Pacific by way of Pearl Harbor, Enewetak, and Guam and reached Subic Bay on February 6. There, she loaded a refurbished landing craft intended as an American gift to Djibouti. The craft, named LE BAC DE LA PAIX, was carried in the well deck.
ANCHORAGE departed Subic Bay on February 15, passed through Southeast Asian waters and Singapore, and reached Djibouti on March 3. She remained for two days while the landing craft and associated material were transferred. The ship then continued to Diego Garcia and arrived on March 12. Barges and other material were unloaded in support of the expanding American facility before ANCHORAGE departed on March 15.
This Indian Ocean deployment took place during the Iran hostage crisis and the associated increase in U.S. naval activity in the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. ANCHORAGE's documented duties centered on transportation, amphibious logistics, and support at Djibouti and Diego Garcia. Her service from February 23 through March 19 qualified for the Navy Expeditionary Medal associated with operations in the region.
ANCHORAGE subsequently visited Penang, Malaysia, and returned to Subic Bay on March 24. She visited Hong Kong early in April and reached Okinawa on April 17 to embark Marines. After another Philippine stop and passage through Singapore, she proceeded to Thailand for combined amphibious training with Royal Thai forces. ANCHORAGE visited Pattaya from May 5 through May 10, returned to Subic Bay on May 19, and remained there until June 6. Embarked Marines were returned to Okinawa between June 10 and June 12. The ship then began her trans-Pacific passage home and arrived at San Diego on July 3.
During August, ANCHORAGE operated in the Pacific Northwest in connection with Seattle's Seafair. A maintenance availability beginning late in September lasted approximately two months and ended on November 20. Captain William Robert McCann Jr. relieved Captain Forster on October 1. Local training completed the year.
ANCHORAGE's next major deployment began on June 23, 1981. She crossed to Hawaii but remained there for approximately three weeks while propulsion-plant certification work delayed the onward movement. She resumed the westward transit on July 22 and reached Buckner Bay, Okinawa, on August 3. Marines were embarked for transportation to Yokosuka, and throughout the following months the ship repeatedly carried Marine personnel and equipment among Okinawa, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and other western Pacific operating areas.
The 1981 deployment consisted primarily of amphibious transportation, landing-craft exercises, Marine training support, and normal Seventh Fleet readiness operations. The final substantial Marine movement began at Naha, Okinawa, late in November. ANCHORAGE departed the western Pacific on November 21, spent eleven days at Guam, made a brief stop at Pearl Harbor, and returned to San Diego on December 23.
Early in 1982, local operations were followed by preparation for overhaul. ANCHORAGE began a regular overhaul at San Diego on March 1. During approximately seven months of work, repairs were undertaken on the propulsion plant and supporting machinery, communications equipment was modernized, and changes were made to improve the ship's ability to survive contemporary air and missile threats. Captain Raymond Robert Kruszona relieved Captain McCann on September 25. Sea trials began during November, after which the ship remained in the San Diego area for the remainder of the year.
Following post-overhaul training during early 1983, ANCHORAGE sailed north during May and made another visit to Anchorage, Alaska. She returned to San Diego by mid-June and entered a maintenance period lasting much of the summer. Except for a short underway period from August 22 through August 31, the ship remained alongside between June and September.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on September 12, 1983, for another Western Pacific deployment. She visited Pearl Harbor beginning September 20 and reached Yokosuka on October 14. On November 1, she proceeded toward Okinawa and began another cycle of transporting Marines between bases and training areas in Japan, Okinawa, and the western Pacific. The deployment continued into 1984. The last major contingent of embarked Marines was disembarked at Yokosuka late in January 1984. ANCHORAGE departed Japan on February 8 and returned east by way of Guam and Pearl Harbor, arriving at San Diego on March 6. Repairs and modifications occupied much of the following five months. Sea trials and operational tests resumed during late July and August.
On August 23, 1984, ANCHORAGE's home port was changed from San Diego to Long Beach. She spent the remainder of the year conducting training, qualification work, and upkeep from her new base. Captain Michael Dennis Quigley relieved Captain Kruszona on December 1. ANCHORAGE continued preparations for deployment during the first quarter of 1985 and departed Long Beach on March 27. She stopped briefly at Sasebo on April 16 and reached Pohang, South Korea, the following day. Marine personnel were embarked there, and the ship departed on April 18.
For approximately four months, ANCHORAGE transported Marines among western Pacific training locations and participated in associated exercises. Japan, Okinawa, Korea, and nearby operating areas formed the principal focus of the deployment. Her final major passenger movement began at Yokohama between August 9 and August 11. The Marines were carried to Buckner Bay and disembarked on August 14. ANCHORAGE began the voyage home on August 15, called at Pearl Harbor from August 26 through August 28, reached Del Mar on September 3 to complete unloading, and returned to Long Beach on September 4. A five-week post-deployment stand-down ended on October 10, and local training and maintenance continued for the remainder of the year.
ANCHORAGE made no extended overseas deployment during 1986. The year was occupied by inspections, exercises, repairs, upkeep, and local operations in preparation for renewed Pacific service. Captain Michael Clark Wein relieved Captain Quigley on December 11.
On January 9, 1987, ANCHORAGE departed Long Beach on a deployment that began with demanding northern operations. She participated in Exercise Kernel Potlatch 87 in the Bering Sea from January 22 through January 30. The combined American-Canadian exercise tested amphibious forces under severe winter conditions. The ship later participated in Team Spirit 87, the annual large-scale American-South Korean exercise. During the deployment, ANCHORAGE operated throughout the western Pacific and visited Okinawa; Pohang and Pusan in South Korea; Pattaya, Thailand; Hobart, Tasmania; and Pearl Harbor. On May 29, USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3), which had suffered major propulsion and electrical failures, required assistance. ANCHORAGE established a towing connection and towed the disabled amphibious assault ship toward Australia. Once BELLEAU WOOD had restored sufficient propulsion to proceed independently, she continued toward Sydney for repairs and ANCHORAGE resumed her own schedule.
ANCHORAGE returned to Long Beach on July 9, 1987. During this period, she also received the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy in recognition of improvement in battle efficiency. The remainder of the year concentrated on local operations and preparation for major modernization work.
In February 1988, ANCHORAGE participated in Kernel Blitz 88-1 off San Clemente Island and Camp Pendleton. The exercise involved the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and Amphibious Squadron Three and tested contemporary amphibious tactics, command arrangements, and equipment. ANCHORAGE subsequently visited Ensenada, Mexico, during March. A major overhaul began in April 1988. The principal Navy contract had been awarded on February 12 to Southwest Marine's San Pedro Division. The work itself was performed at Long Beach and was scheduled for completion during November. The contract was valued at approximately $15 million.
The overhaul included extensive repair and modernization of the aging ship. During this general modernization period, ANCHORAGE was adapted for the newer generation of amphibious operations that increasingly used Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicles, and her defensive armament was modernized with Phalanx close-in weapon systems while the older 3-inch gun battery was progressively removed. Captain Gregory Clinton Butler relieved Captain Wein on December 15.
ANCHORAGE departed on another Western Pacific deployment on July 8, 1989. The cruise included numerous port visits and regional training periods. She visited Pusan on July 26 and July 27, reached Subic Bay on August 7 and remained until August 14, and visited Pattaya from August 22 through August 26. A second period at Subic Bay followed from September 11 through September 25. Later visits included Fukuoka, Japan, from November 1 through November 5, another Subic Bay period from November 11 through November 20, and Hong Kong from November 22 through November 27. ANCHORAGE then began the eastbound trans-Pacific passage, reached Pearl Harbor on December 12, and arrived at Long Beach on December 20.
During 1990, ANCHORAGE remained in the Pacific Fleet readiness cycle and received new administrative and maintenance-management computer equipment. The strategic situation changed abruptly on August 2 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. The United States and coalition partners responded with Operation Desert Shield, initially intended to defend Saudi Arabia while a major multinational force was assembled.
ANCHORAGE was assigned to the large West Coast amphibious force mobilized for the Persian Gulf. She departed on December 1, 1990, carrying elements of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, including artillery and air-defense personnel, vehicles, equipment, and two Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicles. After crossing the Pacific, she reached the Philippines late in December. Captain Terrence Paul LaBrecque relieved Captain Butler on December 29 while the deployment was underway.
On January 12, 1991, ANCHORAGE and the ships of Amphibious Group Three joined forces already operating in the North Arabian Sea. The combined amphibious force assembled for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm included USS TARAWA (LHA 1), OKINAWA, TRIPOLI, NEW ORLEANS, VANCOUVER, DENVER, JUNEAU, USS OGDEN (LPD 5), MOUNT VERNON, USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42), USS FORT McHENRY (LSD 43), DURHAM, MOBILE, CAYUGA, BARBOUR COUNTY, FREDERICK, and ANCHORAGE, together with other supporting ships.
Coalition air operations against Iraq began on January 17, 1991. The amphibious force remained available to conduct landings and forced Iraqi commanders to account for the possibility of an amphibious assault along the Kuwaiti coast. When the coalition ground campaign began on February 24, ANCHORAGE was assigned to land elements of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade through Al Mishab, Saudi Arabia. Weather and the presence of naval mines complicated the movement. ANCHORAGE began offloading at approximately 14:00 on February 24. Landing craft and air-cushion craft carried Marines, vehicles, ammunition, and equipment ashore. The process continued through February 27 while coalition forces advanced into Kuwait.
After the ceasefire, ANCHORAGE remained in the theater while Marine equipment was reorganized and reembarked and the amphibious force prepared for the return to the Pacific. Her Gulf War service qualified for unit and campaign recognition associated with Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The return voyage was interrupted by a major humanitarian emergency. A powerful cyclone struck Bangladesh at the end of April 1991, causing severe destruction along the coast. On May 11, the returning amphibious ships were diverted to the Bay of Bengal for Operation Sea Angel.
The relief force included TARAWA, JUNEAU, VANCOUVER, ANCHORAGE, MOUNT VERNON, BARBOUR COUNTY, FREDERICK, and USNS PASSUMPSIC (T-AO 107), together with personnel of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade. ANCHORAGE operated in the Chittagong area and supported movement of supplies, medical teams, and relief personnel to isolated coastal communities. The combination of helicopters and landing craft was particularly useful because roads, bridges, and other infrastructure had been badly damaged.
On May 19, medical personnel from ANCHORAGE and Marine medical personnel went ashore to a health facility on Kutubdia Island and remained engaged in relief work for several days. Supplies and equipment were transported from the amphibious ships to affected communities while the ships provided medical, logistics, communications, and transportation support offshore. After completing Operation Sea Angel, ANCHORAGE resumed the voyage to the United States and arrived at Long Beach on June 29, 1991. The deployment had lasted almost seven months.
During 1992, ANCHORAGE completed post-deployment maintenance and resumed training. Her home port was changed from Long Beach back to San Diego in May. During June, she sailed north for another visit to Anchorage, Alaska. One of her former anchors was presented to the city on June 16 and was subsequently placed on public display near the Ship Creek Small Boat Launch. Captain Thomas Joseph Brown Jr. relieved Captain LaBrecque on September 11. Maintenance and readiness work continued into 1993. ANCHORAGE spent much of that year at Naval Base San Diego or conducting training and trials in preparation for another overseas deployment. She received a Battle Efficiency award for her performance during this period.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on January 21, 1994, as part of the USS PELELIU (LHA 5) Amphibious Ready Group together with DULUTH and FREDERICK. The group crossed the Pacific and Indian Ocean, including a stop at Singapore, and proceeded toward the Horn of Africa in support of Operation Continue Hope and the remaining American contribution to the United Nations mission in Somalia. The international military presence in Somalia was being reduced following the heavy fighting in Mogadishu during 1993. ANCHORAGE operated off Somalia and spent periods in or near Mogadishu while providing amphibious logistics, communications, landing-craft capability, and contingency support. Mombasa, Kenya, served as an important support port. Captain Paul Christopher Cassani relieved Captain Brown on March 24 while the ship was at Mombasa.
On March 25, Marines embarked aboard ANCHORAGE participated in Operation Quick Draw, the amphibious withdrawal of the remaining U.S. combat forces from Mogadishu. Amphibious ships and landing craft supported the removal of personnel and equipment while providing an offshore base during the withdrawal.
A new regional crisis developed after the presidents of Rwanda and Burundi were killed when their aircraft was shot down near Kigali on April 6, 1994. Violence rapidly escalated in Rwanda, while concern grew for foreign citizens elsewhere in the region. The PELELIU Amphibious Ready Group was directed to support Operation Distant Runner. The group divided its responsibilities. PELELIU moved toward Mombasa and supported the deployment of Marines for the evacuation contingency in Burundi. ANCHORAGE and DULUTH remained off Somalia to continue support for United Nations operations there.
After completing East African operations, ANCHORAGE crossed the Indian Ocean and visited Perth, Australia. She returned across the Pacific by way of Hawaii and arrived at San Diego on July 20, 1994. Her Somalia operations qualified for appropriate expeditionary and unit recognition.
During 1995, ANCHORAGE trained for another Middle Eastern deployment. She departed San Diego on November 13 with the PELELIU Amphibious Ready Group, which also included DENVER and carried the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. ANCHORAGE called at Okinawa and Singapore while proceeding toward the Arabian Gulf and later visited Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates. During the winter of 1995-1996, the group supported Operation Southern Watch, the enforcement of the no-fly zone over southern Iraq and the broader American military presence associated with containment of the Iraqi government after the Gulf War. By February 1996, PELELIU, DENVER, and ANCHORAGE were operating in the Arabian Gulf in conjunction with the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) carrier battle group.
Captain John Alexander Read relieved Captain Cassani on January 22, 1996. ANCHORAGE's qualifying Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal period for this deployment extended from December 23, 1995, through March 28, 1996. She subsequently returned through the western Pacific and arrived at San Diego on May 13.
Following the deployment, ANCHORAGE entered National Steel and Shipbuilding Company at San Diego for a major dry-dock planned maintenance availability. Numerous shipboard systems were repaired or replaced, and the work sustained her ability to operate contemporary amphibious equipment, including Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicles, into the final years of her service. During 1997, ANCHORAGE returned to fleet training. She operated in the Pacific Northwest, including exercises involving Canadian naval forces, and visited Portland, Oregon, during the annual Rose Festival and Fleet Week period in June. Captain Ronald Louis Thomas relieved Captain Read on August 22. In December, Lieutenant Tracy Clark reported aboard as navigator and became the first woman permanently assigned as a member of ANCHORAGE's crew.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on June 22, 1998, with the USS ESSEX (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group. DULUTH was also part of the group, which carried elements of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The deployment took the ships through the western Pacific and Indian Ocean toward the Arabian Gulf. The bombings of the American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on August 7 occurred while the group was deploying through the region. ANCHORAGE and the other ships subsequently maintained increased readiness while continuing their scheduled Middle Eastern mission.
ANCHORAGE supported Operation Southern Watch and the associated American presence in the Arabian Gulf and North Arabian Sea. The amphibious group also conducted maritime interception operations connected with United Nations sanctions against Iraq. During October, ANCHORAGE and ESSEX proceeded toward Oman for Exercise Sea Soldier, conducted from October 20 through October 27. DULUTH was at times detached for maritime interception duties. ANCHORAGE's officially credited Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal period during the deployment extended from August 11 through November 10, 1998. She returned to San Diego on December 22, 1998.
ANCHORAGE remained in the Pacific Fleet readiness cycle during 1999. Maintenance and local training alternated with preparations for future deployments. Captain David Stevens Angood relieved Captain Thomas on March 30. During this general period, the Navy considered various conceptual uses for older amphibious ships, including possible alternative support roles, but ANCHORAGE remained in service as a dock landing ship.
The ship departed San Diego again on August 14, 2000, as part of the USS TARAWA (LHA 1) Amphibious Ready Group with DULUTH and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit. USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52) and USNS JOHN ERICSSON (T-AO 194) also operated with the group during portions of the deployment.
After crossing the Pacific, the force visited Darwin, Australia, from September 7 through September 11 after conducting amphibious training in northern Australia. On September 14, ANCHORAGE, TARAWA, DULUTH, and BUNKER HILL arrived off East Timor. The ships supported humanitarian assistance while East Timor continued recovering from the violence and destruction that had followed the 1999 independence referendum. Building material, food, and other supplies were delivered before the force departed.
The deployment changed abruptly on October 12, 2000, when USS COLE (DDG 67) was attacked by a suicide boat while refueling at Aden, Yemen. Seventeen sailors were killed and COLE suffered extensive hull damage. ANCHORAGE and the other ships of the TARAWA group were ordered toward the Gulf of Aden as part of Operation Determined Response.
ANCHORAGE operated near Yemen from approximately October 16 through the end of the month. The amphibious force provided logistics, communications, medical capability, transportation, force protection, and contingency support while COLE was stabilized and arrangements were made for removal of the damaged destroyer. Other American naval units involved in the response included USS HAWES (FFG 53), USS DONALD COOK (DDG 75), USS CAMDEN (AOE 2), and USNS CATAWBA (T-ATF 168).
Captain Kent Vernell Flowers relieved Captain Angood on November 10, 2000. After leaving the Yemen area, ANCHORAGE continued Middle Eastern operations. From December 1 through December 10, the embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted an exercise off Kuwait. Between December 19 and December 25, the ship participated in maritime interception operations associated with enforcement of sanctions against Iraq. Her qualifying Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal service during the deployment extended from September 22, 2000, through January 2, 2001. ANCHORAGE began the return voyage early in 2001. Western Pacific port visits included locations in Thailand and Hong Kong. On January 24, she made a visit associated with Iwo Jima before continuing eastward. She reached Hawaii during February and arrived at San Diego on February 14.
Only weeks later ANCHORAGE returned to major amphibious training. From March 20 through April 6, she participated in Kernel Blitz 2001 off Camp Pendleton and Oceanside. The multinational exercise involved approximately 25 ships, 75 aircraft, and 15,000 military personnel from four nations. ANCHORAGE served as an important control platform for Landing Craft Air Cushion operations and the movement of vehicles and troops between amphibious shipping and the shore.
A planned maintenance availability followed and was completed during June. The ship then entered an accelerated training and certification program in preparation for the following year's Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training deployment to Southeast Asia.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego on April 8, 2002, for the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise series. The deployment combined U.S. naval forces with the armed forces of several Southeast Asian nations and emphasized maritime interoperability, amphibious training, communications, engineering cooperation, medical activities, and professional exchanges. The American force included USS VINCENNES (CG 49), USS GEORGE PHILIP (FFG 12), USCGC MORGENTHAU (WHEC 722), USS SALVOR (ARS 52), and ANCHORAGE, together with aviation and Marine elements. ANCHORAGE stopped at Okinawa to embark Marines and their equipment. Captain Mark Edward Cedrun relieved Captain Flowers on May 3 while the deployment was in progress.
The exercise series subsequently carried ANCHORAGE through Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. She operated in Brunei during early and mid-May, where training included combined amphibious and jungle-oriented activities. The Indonesian phase later in May included operations associated with Bali and Surabaya. ANCHORAGE participated in the Thailand phase during June, including combined exercises with Royal Thai forces. Cross-deck exchanges allowed personnel from participating nations to experience one another's ships and operating procedures. From June 22 through July 1, ANCHORAGE participated in the Malaysian phase centered on Kuantan. Malaysian Marines, vehicles, and equipment were embarked for combined amphibious operations while U.S. Marines trained aboard Malaysian ships. ANCHORAGE then visited Singapore from July 2 through July 12 and used Changi Naval Base before proceeding to the Philippine phase. After completion of the Southeast Asian exercise series, ANCHORAGE returned to Okinawa to debark Marines and equipment and began the trans-Pacific passage home. She arrived at San Diego on August 29, 2002.
After post-deployment maintenance, ANCHORAGE conducted flight-deck qualifications during October. From October 15 through October 17, she also participated in operational testing connected with the Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle prototype, one of the final examples of the ship being used to support development of future amphibious systems.
ANCHORAGE departed San Diego for the final overseas deployment of her career on January 17, 2003. She formed part of Amphibious Task Force West, a seven-ship force assembled as American and coalition preparations for possible war with Iraq accelerated. The task force consisted of USS BONHOMME RICHARD (LHD 6), USS BOXER (LHD 4), DUBUQUE, USS COMSTOCK (LSD 45), USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52), USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7), and ANCHORAGE. USNS GUADALUPE (T-AO 200) provided underway logistics support during the movement. The force crossed the western Pacific and Southeast Asia, passed through the Strait of Malacca, entered the Fifth Fleet operating area in February, and subsequently passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Arabian Gulf. Marines and equipment began moving ashore in Kuwait during the latter part of February as coalition forces assembled for the impending invasion of Iraq.
Beginning on March 8, ANCHORAGE supported personnel assigned to the offshore Mina Al Bakr and Khawr al-Amaya oil terminals in the northern Arabian Gulf. These installations were considered important because of concern that Iraqi forces might attempt to damage or destroy petroleum infrastructure. American security personnel operated from the platforms while ANCHORAGE provided food, supplies, berthing, transportation, and other logistical support. Small boats moved personnel and material between the ship and the terminals.
Operation Iraqi Freedom began later in March. ANCHORAGE remained part of the northern Arabian Gulf logistics and amphibious network rather than serving as a strike platform. In addition to supporting the oil terminals, she carried out major logistics movements among ships in the amphibious force. During one replenishment evolution she loaded more than 100,000 pounds of mail, hundreds of pallets of cargo, and passengers in Bahrain for delivery to ships operating farther north.
As ground operations progressed, ANCHORAGE later operated near Kuwait Naval Base and began backloading Marines and equipment returning from Iraq. Among those embarked during early May were Marine reconnaissance and engineer personnel. The ship subsequently departed the Arabian Gulf and began her final homeward voyage.
On June 9, 2003, ANCHORAGE and COMSTOCK encountered a disabled Philippine fishing boat approximately 313 nautical miles east of the Philippines. Five Filipino fishermen were aboard. Their boat had been disabled and they had been adrift since May 15. The men were taken aboard ANCHORAGE after approximately 25 days at sea and were provided with medical attention, food, and accommodation. Their small vessel was recovered into the well deck for subsequent return.
ANCHORAGE arrived at San Diego on July 3, 2003, ending her final overseas deployment. Her service during the opening phase of the Iraq War contributed to a Navy Unit Commendation covering the relevant March and April operational period. The ship then entered the final phase of her commissioned career. Equipment, records, ammunition, and material were progressively removed while the crew prepared ANCHORAGE for inactive status. She was decommissioned at Naval Base San Diego on October 1, 2003, after more than 34 years of commissioned service.
A small caretaker detachment remained temporarily aboard. On October 14, the remaining personnel turned the ship over for towing from San Diego to the inactive-ship facility at Pearl Harbor. During November 2003, the U.S. Senate approved a proposed transfer of ANCHORAGE to Taiwan, where she had been considered as a possible replacement for an older former American dock landing ship then serving with the Republic of China Navy. The proposed transfer was never completed. ANCHORAGE remained under American control at Pearl Harbor and was formally struck from the Naval Vessel Register on March 8, 2004. She remained in inactive status for several more years before being selected for use as a target during Rim of the Pacific 2010.
On July 15, 2010, USNS NAVAJO (T-ATF 169) towed the former ANCHORAGE from Pearl Harbor toward the weapons range off Kauai. The sinking exercise took place on July 17. The unmanned former dock landing ship was attacked with live ordnance by participating forces. After several hits the hull remained afloat. USS BREMERTON (SSN 698) subsequently fired a Mk 48 Advanced Capability heavyweight torpedo against the target. The torpedo detonated beneath the hull and caused severe structural damage. The former ANCHORAGE sank approximately 22 minutes later in deep water off Kauai.
Her documented service recognition included the Combat Action Ribbon for May 24, 1972, Vietnam campaign awards, unit awards associated with the final evacuation from South Vietnam, the Navy Expeditionary Medal for qualifying Indian Ocean service in 1980, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal periods connected with later contingency operations, humanitarian recognition for Operation Frequent Wind and Operation Sea Angel, unit recognition for Persian Gulf and later operations, and campaign decorations associated with Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the opening phase of the Iraq War.
back to top go to the end of the pageUSS ANCHORAGE Image Gallery:
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The photo below was taken by me on July 29, 2006, and shows the ANCHORAGE berthed at the Naval Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility in Pearl Harbor, HI.
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The two photos below were taken by me and show the ANCHORAGE laid-up at Pearl Harbor, Hi., on March 20, 2010. The first photo is a stern view. The name ANCHORAGE can still be seen at the well dock door. Photo number two shows a part of the ship's superstructure. The flight deck in the foreground belongs to the CORONADO (AGF 11).
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