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USS Portland (LSD 37)

USS PORTLAND was the second ANCHORAGE - class Dock Landing Ship and the second ship in the Navy named after the seaport city in Cumberland County, southern Maine, and largest city in the state of Oregon. The ship was last homeported in Little Creek, Va. After decommissioning, the PORTLAND spent the following months at the Inactive Ships Maintenance Facility, Portsmouth, Va., before she was sunk as a target off the US east coast on April 26, 2004.

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS PORTLAND. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

• Click here to view the list.

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• Click here to see which USS PORTLAND memorabilia are currently for sale on ebay.

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USS PORTLAND Cruise Books:

• Caribbean Cruise Book 1982
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1994
• Mediterranean Cruise Book 1998

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Accidents aboard USS PORTLAND:

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USS PORTLAND History:

USS PORTLAND was built by the Quincy Division of General Dynamics at Quincy, Massachusetts. Her keel was laid on September 21, 1967, and she was christened and launched on December 20, 1969. The christening ceremony took place at Quincy with Emily Walton Ford Chapman, wife of General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, serving as sponsor. PORTLAND subsequently underwent builder's trials and fitting out before being commissioned at Boston Naval Shipyard on October 3, 1970, with Captain Martin M. Zenni as her first commanding officer.

PORTLAND spent the closing months of 1970 and early 1971 completing the training, inspection, and shakedown cycle required of a newly commissioned amphibious ship. She operated along the U.S. East Coast and in the Caribbean, including training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where she was documented on February 26, 1971. During the early part of her career, she also provided support connected with the movement of the patrol gunboats USS DEFIANCE (PG 95) and USS SURPRISE (PG 97) toward European and Mediterranean waters. The small ASHEVILLE-class gunboats had considerably less endurance and habitability than an ocean-going amphibious ship, and PORTLAND's support capabilities were useful during their transfer. She subsequently received unit recognition connected with this support. Captain John Vernon Josephson relieved Captain Zenni on October 29, 1971.

During 1972, PORTLAND became fully integrated into the recurring Atlantic Fleet amphibious cycle. Over the following years, she operated in the Caribbean, North Atlantic, and Mediterranean as a member at different times of Amphibious Squadrons Two, Four, Six, and Eight. Her routine missions included transporting Marine landing forces and their equipment, operating landing craft from the well deck, supporting helicopter operations, conducting amphibious rehearsals, and maintaining contingency readiness for crises in the Mediterranean and Atlantic regions.

In October 1973, PORTLAND carried the Navy's nuclear-powered deep-submergence research craft NR-1 for bottom-survey and data-collection work in the vicinity of Puerto Rico. NR-1 was designed for detailed underwater observation, search, recovery, and scientific work on the sea floor, and PORTLAND's large well deck provided a means of transporting and supporting the specialized craft away from its normal operating base. Captain Charles Gerritt Felkins had relieved Captain Josephson on May 15, 1973.

PORTLAND remained in the Atlantic Fleet amphibious cycle during 1974 and 1975, alternating operational periods with maintenance and training. Her assignments continued to center on Caribbean and Mediterranean readiness, amphibious exercises, and the movement of Marine personnel and heavy equipment. Captain Robert Peter Lucas relieved Captain Felkins on May 2, 1975. Substantial repair and maintenance work followed before the ship returned to overseas operations during 1976.

The Lebanese Civil War brought PORTLAND into one of the first major contingency operations of her career. Fighting among Lebanese political and military factions had intensified during 1975 and 1976, and by the summer of 1976, normal means of leaving Beirut had become unreliable for many foreign nationals. The U.S. Sixth Fleet maintained naval and amphibious forces in the eastern Mediterranean under contingency arrangements associated with Operation Fluid Drive, providing the ability to remove Americans and designated foreign nationals by sea if required.

PORTLAND participated directly in the second major U.S. Navy sea evacuation from Beirut during the summer. On July 27, 1976, Landing Craft Utility 1643 from PORTLAND approached the Bain Militaire beach in Beirut. The operation took place amid the Lebanese fighting, with armed factions in the surrounding area and heavy swell complicating the landing-craft approach. LCU 1643 embarked 308 evacuees, including 160 U.S. citizens and 148 citizens of other countries. The landing craft carried them away from Beirut and into the offshore evacuation organization for onward movement. Together with an earlier June evacuation, the U.S. Navy removed roughly 560 people from Lebanon by sea during this phase of the conflict.

PORTLAND remained part of the Sixth Fleet amphibious force after the evacuation and continued Mediterranean readiness operations. Commander Raymond Howard Foberg assumed command on October 13, 1976, and Commander Robert Joseph Ianucci relieved him on October 18.

During 1977, PORTLAND returned to the established Mediterranean deployment cycle. By the winter of 1977-1978, she was serving with Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-77. The group included USS GUADALCANAL (LPH 7), USS RALEIGH (LPD 1), USS CHARLESTON (LKA 113), and USS SUMTER (LST 1181), together with PORTLAND and the embarked 34th Marine Amphibious Unit. The force provided the Sixth Fleet with a standing Marine landing capability for exercises, crisis response, evacuation operations, and other contingencies. On January 4, 1978, PORTLAND was at Naples, Italy, while other elements of the amphibious group were making separate Mediterranean port calls.

Later in 1978, PORTLAND deployed to northern European waters for NATO Exercise Northern Wedding 78. The large exercise tested NATO's ability to reinforce and defend northern Europe and protect Atlantic sea routes during a hypothetical conflict. PORTLAND supported the amphibious phases. On September 2, 1978, an LCM-6 belonging to PORTLAND was documented beached in the Shetland Islands while serving as a medical-evacuation vessel during Phase II of the exercise. A Marine Corps UH-1N helicopter was operating overhead, illustrating the combined surface and air support arrangements being practiced. Commander Michael Brian Connolly relieved Commander Ianucci on November 21, 1978.

PORTLAND carried out another humanitarian assignment in 1979. From August 16 through September 9, she participated in Jamaica Relief and subsequently received the Humanitarian Service Medal for that period. In November 1979, PORTLAND entered Sun Shipyard at Chester, Pennsylvania, for a regular overhaul. The availability became one of the longest maintenance periods of her early career and extended through 1980 into January 1981. Work encompassed the engineering plant, hull, piping, electrical systems, accommodation spaces, and other equipment required to restore the ship for sustained overseas operations. After completing the yard period, PORTLAND entered a sequence of sea trials, refresher training, amphibious qualification, and operational workup.

During 1981, PORTLAND deployed again to the Mediterranean as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-81. The amphibious force included USS GUADALCANAL, USS PONCE (LPD 15), USS SUMTER, and USS HARLAN COUNTY (LST 1196), together with PORTLAND. The 34th Marine Amphibious Unit included Battalion Landing Team 3/8, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 263, and supporting elements.

Lebanon again remained an important contingency area. The ready group maintained the ability to move toward the Lebanese coast if the security situation deteriorated. During July, PORTLAND and USS GUADALCANAL proceeded toward Venice, Italy, for a scheduled port visit while other ships of the group dispersed among Mediterranean ports.

Commander Jerry Ralph McDonald relieved Commander Connolly on March 4, 1982, while PORTLAND was already conducting Caribbean Operations '82. That operation lasted from February 22 through April 14. PORTLAND served at various stages as an afloat platform for senior Atlantic Fleet leadership, including Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and Deputy Commander in Chief, Atlantic Fleet. The cruise combined naval presence, professional contacts with regional governments and military organizations, and visits throughout the Caribbean and adjacent areas.

PORTLAND visited San Andres Island, Colombia, on February 27 and February 28, 1982. She proceeded to Kingston, Jamaica, where she remained from March 2 through March 5. Bridgetown, Barbados, followed from March 8 through March 10, and Port of Spain, Trinidad, from March 11 through March 14. She was at Kingstown, St. Vincent, from March 15 through March 17 and St. John's, Antigua, on March 18 and March 19.

The ship continued through the northern Lesser Antilles, visiting Basseterre, St. Kitts, from March 20 through March 22 and Philipsburg, St. Martin, from March 23 through March 25. PORTLAND was at Fort-de-France, Martinique, from March 26 through March 29. She then proceeded to Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, for a visit from March 31 through April 1. The final portion of the cruise took PORTLAND to Panama City, Panama, from April 4 through April 6 and Port Everglades, Florida, from April 10 through April 14. She returned to Norfolk on April 15. The ship received a Meritorious Unit Commendation associated with her performance during the operation.

PORTLAND was underway again for a major deployment only two months later. Marines assigned to the UNITAS XXIII and West Africa Training Cruise force embarked at Morehead City, North Carolina, on June 16, 1982. PORTLAND departed on June 17 and reached Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, on June 19. On June 21 and June 22, she supported amphibious workups around Vieques before beginning the southbound movement.

The ship reached San Andres on June 26. Combined training with Colombian Marines around San Andres and Providencia took place from June 27 through July 4. PORTLAND then proceeded to Covenas, Colombia, arriving on July 6. Training and amphibious operations in the Covenas and Golfo de Morrosquillo area continued through July 10. PORTLAND visited Cartagena from July 10 through July 16 and then returned to Covenas until July 20. She subsequently proceeded toward Aruba. The Aruba phase lasted from July 22 through July 28 and combined port activity with multinational training.

PORTLAND then moved toward Central America and reached Tela, Honduras, on August 1, remaining there through August 4. She continued to the Panama Canal area and reached Rodman on August 6, remaining there from August 7 through August 9. The subsequent transit of the Panama Canal brought PORTLAND into the Pacific for the first time in her commissioned career. She moved south along the Pacific coast of South America and reached Talara, Peru, on August 13 before continuing toward Chile. PORTLAND reached Mejillones, Chile, on August 17 and remained through August 18. Combined operations with Chilean naval forces followed on August 19. She visited Antofagasta from August 20 through August 22 and subsequently proceeded toward Bahía Inglesa. Marines conducted cross-training ashore from August 24 through August 26.

After reembarkation, PORTLAND proceeded toward Puerto Aldea, where a combined amphibious landing was conducted on August 27. She continued to Valparaiso and arrived on August 29. The visit combined liberty, professional exchanges, and further training. PORTLAND departed for Talcahuano on September 2. Activities in the Talcahuano area between September 4 and September 20 included professional exchanges, equipment demonstrations, live-fire and field training, and combined work with Chilean Marines. PORTLAND subsequently returned north and was again at Valparaiso from September 22 through September 29.

The ship then proceeded around southern South America. She reached Punta Arenas in the Strait of Magellan on October 5 and remained through October 7 before moving into the South Atlantic. PORTLAND arrived at Montevideo, Uruguay, on October 12 and remained there through October 17. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, followed from October 22 through October 26.

The UNITAS portion of the deployment then gave way to the West Africa Training Cruise. PORTLAND crossed the South Atlantic and visited a series of West African ports while embarked sailors and Marines trained with local military organizations and participated in professional exchanges and civic-assistance work. Countries involved during the broader West African program included Zaire, Cameroon, Togo, Ivory Coast, and Guinea-Bissau. At Matadi, Zaire, American personnel participated in community projects involving local schools and a hospital. PORTLAND returned to the United States in December 1982 after approximately six months away from home waters.

Only months later, the ship deployed again into a rapidly deteriorating Middle Eastern security situation. PORTLAND left the U.S. East Coast in May 1983 as part of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-83. Amphibious Squadron Eight included USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2), USS AUSTIN (LPD 4), USS EL PASO (LKA 117), USS HARLAN COUNTY, and PORTLAND. The ships carried the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit, including Battalion Landing Team 1/8, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162, and supporting elements.

The force departed the Morehead City area during May and crossed the Atlantic toward the eastern Mediterranean. The amphibious group reached the Beirut area at the end of the month. The 24th Marine Amphibious Unit began replacing the preceding Marine force on May 29 and completed the relief on May 30. The Marines formed part of the Multinational Force in Lebanon established after the Israeli invasion of 1982 and the subsequent international efforts to stabilize Beirut. Marine positions were concentrated around Beirut International Airport, with additional security duties connected with diplomatic facilities. PORTLAND and the other amphibious ships remained offshore as transportation, logistics, communications, medical, and contingency platforms for the force ashore.

The security environment worsened considerably during the summer and autumn. Artillery, rockets, mortars, and small-arms fire increasingly affected positions around Beirut. The amphibious force remained in close support while senior American officials made repeated visits to the deployed Marines. On October 23, 1983, a truck bomb destroyed the Marine battalion headquarters building at Beirut International Airport. The attack killed 241 U.S. military personnel. PORTLAND was among the amphibious ships supporting the Marine force and sent a rescue team ashore following the bombing. The ships offshore provided medical, logistics, communications, transportation, and personnel support during the rescue and recovery operation.

The 24th Marine Amphibious Unit remained in Lebanon until relieved on November 19. PORTLAND and the other ships then began the return movement, and Amphibious Squadron Eight reached Norfolk on December 7, 1983. Captain Stanley Douglas Gastar relieved Commander McDonald on December 13.

PORTLAND spent much of 1984 in the Atlantic Fleet maintenance and training cycle. A major overhaul followed during 1985. From January through July, she underwent a regular overhaul at Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Company's Berkley Yard in Norfolk. The work included repairs and refurbishment to machinery, hull systems, electrical and auxiliary equipment, accommodation spaces, and amphibious-support equipment. After completing the overhaul, PORTLAND visited Portland, Maine, in August 1985. Veterans of the earlier cruiser that had carried the Portland name during World War II took part in activities associated with the visit. The remainder of the year was devoted to post-overhaul training and the restoration of full operational readiness.

During April 1986, two Phalanx close-in weapon systems were installed aboard PORTLAND, substantially improving her short-range defense against aircraft and anti-ship missiles. Captain James Ballou Cook II relieved Captain Gastar on March 15.

From May through November 1986, PORTLAND deployed to the Mediterranean with Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group 2-86. The group included USS GUAM (LPH 9), USS TRENTON (LPD 14), USS CHARLESTON (LKA 113), USS FAIRFAX COUNTY (LST 1193), and PORTLAND, with the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit embarked. The deployment involved Sixth Fleet and NATO amphibious training, including Exercise Display Determination, as well as bilateral exercises with allied forces and Mediterranean port visits. PORTLAND called at Naples and Venice, Italy, during the cruise. After approximately six months overseas, the amphibious force returned to the United States in November.

PORTLAND underwent a Planned Maintenance Availability at Moon Engineering in Portsmouth, Virginia, from May 6 through July 31, 1987. The work prepared her for an unusual assignment connected with the growing American military presence in the Persian Gulf. During the Iran-Iraq War, attacks on commercial shipping and the use of naval mines had created serious hazards in the Gulf. The United States began Operation Earnest Will to escort reflagged Kuwaiti tankers, while mine-countermeasures forces were deployed to keep shipping routes open.

PORTLAND deployed late in 1987 and became a Middle East Force support and mother ship for U.S. mine-countermeasures units. Her well deck, cargo spaces, workshops, berthing, and logistics capabilities made her useful as a mobile support base for smaller vessels that lacked the endurance and accommodation of major fleet ships. By January 1988, PORTLAND was operating from Bahrain. She supported six U.S. Navy minesweepers and also carried patrol craft and associated equipment. Photographs taken at Manama on January 30 show Mk III patrol boats carried aboard the ship and equipment stowed in the well deck.

During January 27-28, an Iraqi Mirage fighter approached the area occupied by PORTLAND and the mine force, closing to roughly 30 miles. PORTLAND went to general quarters. No attack took place. The incident occurred in the complicated environment of the Iran-Iraq War, in which American forces were protecting shipping and conducting mine-countermeasures operations while seeking to avoid direct involvement in the land conflict between Iran and Iraq.

PORTLAND completed her mine-force support duties during the first months of 1988 and subsequently returned to the Atlantic Fleet. Captain Joseph Michael Green Jr. relieved Captain Cook on May 7. During the summer, PORTLAND was used for midshipman training, providing future naval officers with practical experience in shiphandling, seamanship, navigation, engineering, and amphibious operations. Later in 1988, she took part in NATO Exercise Team Work 88 in the North Atlantic. The exercise was intended to practice reinforcement of northern Europe and protection of Atlantic sea routes during a major NATO contingency.

During 1989, PORTLAND also participated in the expanding maritime counter-narcotics mission in the Caribbean. A U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment operated with the ship, combining Navy transportation and surveillance capabilities with Coast Guard law-enforcement authority.

PORTLAND subsequently began another Mediterranean deployment extending into early 1990. During this deployment, she supported Exercise Atlas Rail in Tunisia after severe flooding damaged railway infrastructure. On February 1, 1990, PORTLAND was documented unloading construction equipment belonging to Naval Mobile Construction forces and Assault Craft Unit Two. Landing Craft Utility 1661 participated in moving the equipment ashore. The Seabee force then used the material in the repair of the flood-damaged railway.

Commander Mark Steven Falkey relieved Commander Green on April 17, 1990. Four months later, Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, creating the most significant military crisis yet encountered during PORTLAND's career. The United States initiated Operation Desert Shield to defend Saudi Arabia and build the multinational force required to confront Iraq. PORTLAND deployed from the U.S. East Coast in August as part of the large Atlantic Fleet amphibious movement. Ships operating in the same broad amphibious deployment included USS SHREVEPORT (LPD 12), USS TRENTON, USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44), and USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY (LST 1192). The ships carried elements of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and large quantities of vehicles, weapons, ammunition, and other equipment.

The force crossed the Atlantic and Mediterranean and transited the Suez Canal on September 5, 1990. By September 11, PORTLAND and associated amphibious units had reached the Gulf of Oman area and were joining the rapidly growing naval and Marine force assembled under U.S. Central Command. PORTLAND remained deployed throughout the Desert Shield buildup. The amphibious ships spent months conducting rehearsals, training with embarked Marines, moving equipment, and maintaining readiness for possible landings. Their presence offshore also became part of coalition operational deception. Iraq constructed and manned extensive coastal defenses because an amphibious assault against Kuwait remained a credible possibility.

Operation Desert Storm began on January 17, 1991, with the coalition air campaign. The amphibious force continued to operate as if a large landing might take place. When coalition ground forces entered Kuwait and Iraq on February 24, the naval deception continued. During the early hours of February 25, PORTLAND participated in a specific amphibious feint. Ten Marine helicopters flew toward the vicinity of Ash Shuaybah, with some carrying electronic-warfare emitters intended to increase the apparent size and complexity of the force. The helicopters turned away before reaching the coast while PORTLAND maneuvered offshore as part of the deception. The activity contributed to the broader effort to maintain Iraqi concern over a possible seaborne assault while the coalition's principal ground forces attacked from other directions. PORTLAND did not conduct an opposed amphibious landing on the Kuwaiti coast. She remained with the offshore amphibious force during the approximately 100-hour ground campaign and subsequent ceasefire period.

After completing postwar responsibilities, PORTLAND began the return voyage and arrived at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek on April 20, 1991, after approximately 249 days deployed. Her service during Desert Shield and Desert Storm resulted in unit and campaign recognition associated with the Gulf War.

Commander Paul Christian Striffler relieved Commander Falkey on January 17, 1992. Later that year, PORTLAND returned to South American and Atlantic operations associated with UNITAS XXXIII and the West Africa Training Cruise. U.S. naval participants during portions of the UNITAS exercise included USS CUSHING (DD 985), USS SAN JACINTO (CG 56), and USS MANITOWOC (LST 1180).

PORTLAND's specific role must be distinguished from that of the ship carrying the main UNITAS Marine detachment during the later phases. By August 3, 1992, at Rio de Janeiro, the West Africa Training Cruise Marine Detachment was cross-decked to PORTLAND, while the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force associated with UNITAS XXXIII transferred to USS MANITOWOC. PORTLAND then headed north with the West Africa Training Cruise element rather than continuing through every subsequent UNITAS phase. She was scheduled to call at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, on August 14, and the West Africa deployment concluded later in August.

During 1993, PORTLAND concentrated on maintenance, amphibious training, and preparations for another Mediterranean deployment. Commander Robert George Brewer Jr. relieved Commander Striffler on October 8. During October, the ship trained with USS INCHON (LPH 12), USS TRENTON, and USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY during amphibious workups off the North Carolina coast. The ships were preparing to deploy with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The deployment began in January 1994. PORTLAND, USS INCHON, USS TRENTON, and USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY carried the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Battalion Landing Team 3/6, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266, and supporting units. The force was directed toward Somalia as the United States reduced its military commitment following the intense fighting in Mogadishu during 1993. PORTLAND operated off Somalia during Operation Continue Hope and the final phase of the American contribution to the United Nations operation there. Amphibious shipping provided an offshore base, landing-craft support, logistics, and contingency capability while U.S. forces prepared to leave.

After the Somalia phase, the group returned toward the Mediterranean. By June 6, USS INCHON, PORTLAND, and USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY were proceeding toward Rota, Spain, while USS TRENTON was already in port there. The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to the United States later in June.

The force remained home for only a short time. On July 7, 1994, elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit began embarking again aboard USS INCHON, PORTLAND, USS TRENTON, and USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY. They were ordered toward Haiti as the United States increased military pressure on the government of Raoul Cedras. PORTLAND deployed on short notice during Operation Support Democracy. The amphibious force maintained the ability to conduct an intervention, evacuate civilians, or perform other contingency tasks while American and multinational naval forces enforced international pressure around Haiti. The crisis culminated in Operation Uphold Democracy during September, when an agreement allowed U.S. forces to enter Haiti without the large opposed amphibious assault for which the naval and Marine forces had prepared.

PORTLAND remained closely involved in Caribbean contingency operations during 1995. One important mission was Operation Safe Passage, which dealt with Cuban migrants who had been accommodated at facilities in Panama and Guantanamo Bay. PORTLAND operated with USS AUSTIN and USS LA MOURE COUNTY (LST 1194), with Marines and Fleet Antiterrorist Security Teams embarked. The ships helped transport approximately 7,500 Cuban migrants from Panama to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay as U.S. authorities implemented revised migration arrangements. Commander Don Eugene Slaton relieved Commander Brewer on August 10, 1995.

PORTLAND began another Mediterranean deployment in January 1996. The amphibious force centered on USS GUAM and included USS TRENTON, USS TORTUGA (LSD 46), and PORTLAND, carrying the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. The deployed Marine organization included Battalion Landing Team 2/2, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 162, and supporting elements. The deployment changed rapidly after renewed fighting broke out in Liberia. By April, the security situation in Monrovia posed a serious threat to the U.S. Embassy and to American and other foreign nationals. On April 11, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit received orders connected with Operation Assured Response.

USS GUAM, USS TRENTON, and PORTLAND, then operating in the Adriatic region, headed toward West Africa. USS TORTUGA initially remained at Haifa, Israel, because of repair work and previously scheduled commitments. A Marine liaison element reached the region by air on April 14. On April 20, Marines from Battalion Landing Team 2/2 entered the U.S. Embassy compound in Monrovia and relieved Army personnel who had been providing security. The amphibious ships served as the offshore base for embassy protection, evacuation planning, logistics, communications, aviation, medical support, and contingency forces.

After the Liberian phase, the amphibious group returned toward the Mediterranean and Adriatic and resumed its role in European Command contingency planning. The force maintained readiness connected with the NATO-led stabilization mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. During the final portion of the deployment, PORTLAND visited Malaga, Spain, from July 3 through July 7 before returning to the United States later in July.

Commander Alfred Steven Nugent III relieved Commander Slaton on March 21, 1997. PORTLAND spent much of 1997 conducting maintenance, inspections, Atlantic and Caribbean training, and preparation for another overseas deployment.

On February 26, 1998, PORTLAND departed with the USS WASP (LHD 1) Amphibious Ready Group. USS TRENTON was the other principal amphibious ship, and the group carried the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Before deployment, the ships had completed Joint Task Force Exercise 98-1 from January 12 through February 4. The first important operational phase was Dynamic Response 98 in the Balkans. PORTLAND and USS TRENTON entered Ploce, Croatia, where Marines and equipment assigned to NATO's Strategic Reserve Force were unloaded for movement into Bosnia-Herzegovina. USS WASP remained offshore and used Landing Craft Air Cushion vehicles to move additional equipment. Dynamic Response demonstrated NATO's ability to reinforce the Stabilization Force rapidly if required.

The deployment subsequently included bilateral and multinational exercises in the Mediterranean, including Exercise Alexander the Great with Greek forces and Exercise Destined Glory off Spain. During June the escalating conflict in Kosovo caused the amphibious group to return to the Adriatic. PORTLAND and USS WASP had been at Antalya, Turkey, and were preparing for onward movement when Sixth Fleet redirected the force. USS WASP departed so rapidly that approximately 40 sailors and Marines who had temporarily remained ashore were subsequently embarked aboard PORTLAND.

The group reached the Adriatic during preparations for Operation Determined Falcon. On June 14, NATO conducted a major air demonstration involving more than 80 aircraft over Albania and Macedonia as a warning connected with the deteriorating situation in Kosovo. Marine aircraft from USS WASP participated while PORTLAND remained part of the amphibious contingency force in the region.

PORTLAND returned to Virginia with the USS WASP group on July 28, 1998. Commander Anthony Ellis Mitchell relieved Commander Nugent on December 11. PORTLAND spent much of 1999 in maintenance, Atlantic Fleet training, and preparation for another Mediterranean deployment.

Commander Thomas Joseph Malone relieved Commander Mitchell on July 5, 2000. During October, PORTLAND participated in Unified Spirit 2000 and Joint Task Force Exercise 01-1 with USS NASSAU (LHA 4), USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13), and other U.S. and NATO forces. The combined exercise ran from October 9 through October 27 and involved more than 31,000 personnel. Training scenarios included conventional combat, maritime interception, humanitarian assistance, peace-support operations, embassy support, and noncombatant evacuation.

PORTLAND departed for the Mediterranean on November 30, 2000, with USS NASSAU and USS NASHVILLE, carrying the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. The group provided Sixth Fleet with an amphibious contingency force capable of responding throughout the Mediterranean, Balkans, Middle East, and parts of Africa. PORTLAND visited Barcelona, Spain, on January 20, 2001. Later in the deployment, she entered Koper, Slovenia, at the end of February and remained there until departing on March 7. The deployment combined Marine training, bilateral and NATO exercises, port visits, and contingency readiness connected with the continuing U.S. and NATO presence in southeastern Europe.

PORTLAND returned to the United States after the deployment and resumed maintenance and training. Commander Lawrence Edward Creevy relieved Commander Malone on October 20, 2001, becoming the ship's final commanding officer.

The September 11 terrorist attacks had changed the strategic environment in which the Atlantic Fleet operated. PORTLAND spent late 2001 and early 2002 in an accelerated training and readiness cycle before being assigned to an extensive UNITAS deployment. During 2002, PORTLAND became the principal amphibious platform for Marine Force Unitas. The deployment took the ship through the Caribbean and around a substantial portion of South America while U.S. forces trained with Latin American navies and Marine organizations. Exercises emphasized amphibious landings, small-unit operations, professional exchanges, communications, live-fire training, special-operations cooperation, and noncombatant-evacuation scenarios. The wider cruise involved operations or visits connected with the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.

The Peruvian phase took place from September 15 through September 24, 2002. PORTLAND operated with approximately 200 embarked Marines and conducted combined activities with Peruvian forces around Callao and Salinas. Training included amphibious operations and special-operations activities associated with Callao and San Lorenzo Island. Marine Force Unitas reembarked aboard PORTLAND on September 20 following a period of shore training, and the ship continued southward toward Chile. The Chilean phase was followed by operations with Argentina.

During the Argentine phase in October, American and Argentine Marines conducted training that included amphibious landings, helicopter operations, live-fire exercises, hostage-rescue scenarios, and noncombatant-evacuation procedures. PORTLAND subsequently proceeded to Montevideo, Uruguay, where American and Uruguayan military personnel conducted professional exchanges and community activities. She then continued to Brazil for the closing Atlantic phase of the exercise series. The final multinational naval activities involved surface combatants, submarines, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and forces from several participating nations. PORTLAND returned to Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek on December 6, 2002, after approximately four months deployed. More than 300 members of her ship's company returned aboard, together with the Marine force after completion of the Latin American exercise series.

The ship remained home for only a short period. As American and coalition preparations for possible military action against Iraq accelerated, PORTLAND was ordered to deploy again. She left Little Creek on January 12, 2003, as part of Amphibious Task Force East. The seven-ship force consisted of USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3), USS BATAAN (LHD 5), USS SAIPAN (LHA 2), USS PONCE, USS GUNSTON HALL, USS ASHLAND (LSD 48), and PORTLAND. The task force carried the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade and substantial quantities of vehicles, weapons, aircraft, ammunition, and support equipment.

Approximately 5,000 sailors and 7,000 Marines were involved in the Atlantic amphibious surge. The force crossed the Atlantic, passed through the Mediterranean and Suez Canal, and continued toward the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Gulf. By February, the ships were operating in the Kuwait region and began unloading Marines and equipment for the coming campaign. The 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade subsequently became Task Force Tarawa.

Operation Iraqi Freedom began in March 2003. Marines transported to the theater by Amphibious Task Force East entered Iraq as Task Force Tarawa and were involved in major operations including the fighting around Nasiriyah. PORTLAND remained part of the supporting naval and logistics structure after completing the main unloading of her embarked forces. With her transport mission substantially completed and no requirement to retain the aging ship in theater for an extended period, PORTLAND began her return voyage. She arrived at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek on April 11, 2003, becoming the first ship from Amphibious Task Force East to return from Operation Iraqi Freedom. The deployment had lasted approximately three months. Combined with the UNITAS cruise immediately before it, PORTLAND had been deployed for roughly seven of the preceding eight months.

During the April 11 homecoming, Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic presented PORTLAND with the Battle Efficiency Award for 2002. Preparations for retirement then accelerated. The ship's aging steam engineering plant required substantial maintenance, and no further operational deployment was scheduled.

During the following months, ammunition, equipment, spare parts, records, and other material were progressively removed. Commander Creevy remained in command during the inactivation process. PORTLAND's decommissioning ceremony was held at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek at 10:00 on August 4, 2003. Her active commissioned service had lasted almost 33 years. Following decommissioning, the ship was placed in inactive status at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Portsmouth, Virginia. PORTLAND was formally struck from the Naval Vessel Register on March 8, 2004. She was not transferred to another navy or retained for preservation and was instead selected for disposal as a target.

On April 25, 2004, the former PORTLAND was expended as a target during a live-fire exercise in the western Atlantic. She sank at approximately 34°55'48.9" North, 70°14'56.3" West in water approximately 2,621 fathoms deep.

Her documented service recognition included the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendations, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, multiple Battle Efficiency awards, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medals, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medals for the Beirut evacuation and Jamaica Relief, the Coast Guard Special Operations Service Ribbon, and the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti Kuwait Liberation Medals, together with other service awards earned during more than three decades of operations.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The PORTLAND is named after two famous seaport cities of the United States, Portland, Oregon, and Portland, Maine. The two cities' seals are appropriately a part of the ships' insigne. The seal of Portland, Oregon, presents the city as a major seaport through the sailing vessel. The fruitful lady is standing at the confluence of the Columbia River on whose waters flow the many industrial and agricultural products of the region. The fir trees represent the large lumber resources and Mt. Hood, the scenic attributes of the region. The seal of Portland, Maine, is one of heraldry. The phoenix (heron) symbolizes immortality. The anchor is frequently used in cities having a close relationship with the sea and in heraldry the anchor represents Hope. The dolphins symbolize Dilligence, Love, and Swittness. The ship is interpreted as representing the city as a great shipbuilding city.

On the left and right of the insigne are the Navy emblem and the Marine Corps emblem. These emblems together represent the joint efforts of these services in the performance of missions assigned the amphibious forces.

The stern view of the PORTLAND reveals the ship's characteristics inherent in the performance of its primary mission. The flooded well deck represents the ship's capability to launch, receive, and repair small cratt; the flight deck represents the ship's capability to launch and receive helicopters carrying cargo or Marines; the cranes symbolize the ship's ability to load and unload cargo rapidly.

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USS PORTLAND Image Gallery:

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