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ABOUT USS ANCHORAGE (LSD 36)

ship's crest

The ship's motto, "Sue Generis," translates to "of its own kind" or "in a class by itself," highlighting its uniqueness. USS Anchorage (LSD 36) was the lead ship of its class and the last in class to be decommissioned. The Anchorage class consisted of five ships: USS Anchorage (LSD 36), USS Portland (LSD 37), USS Pensacola (LSD 38), USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39), and USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40).

Over its 34 years of service, USS Anchorage underwent significant modifications to its armament and systems. Its original four 3"/50 Caliber gun mounts were removed, and modern defensive systems, such as the MK‐15 CIWS (Close‐In Weapons System), 25mm chain gun, and Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasure (SRBOC), were installed.

The ship's boat complement also underwent changes over time. Initial configuration included one LCM‐8 (Landing Craft, Mechanized), one LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel), and two LCPLs (Landing Craft, Personnel, Large), with one LCPL serving as the Captain's Gig. The introduction of LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion) in 1987, which were temporarily assigned during deployments, rendered the LCM‐8 and LCVP obsolete. The ship had only two MK‐12 LCPLs at its decommissioning in 2003.

A unique feature of the ship was its movable ramps, allowing for efficient transfer of personnel and cargo between the well deck, mezzanine deck, and flight deck. The ship's extensive facilities included machine shops, repair workshops, and two 50‐ton cranes, enabling it to serve as a floating repair facility for smaller vessels, up to harbor tug in size when the flight deck was removed. USS Anchorage could accommodate 337 troops and boasted substantial storage capacity, including 1,400 cubic feet for cargo and ammunition stowage and 8,400 square feet for vehicle storage. Its flight deck could accomadate one helicopter, while the well deck could carry two LCAC. Additional landing craft could be embarked by removing the mezzanine deck.

Most decorated ship on San Diego's waterfront at decommisssioning in 2003.

Ribbons

USS Anchorage, decommissioned in 2003, boasted an impressive service record. With 17 ribbons and six Battle Efficiency Awards (Battle E), she was the most decorated ship on San Diego's waterfront at the time. As a comparison, USS New Jersey (BB 62), the most decorated Battleship had 19 ribbons, and USS Enterprise (CVN 6), the most decorated ever, had 20 Battle Stars.

NOTE: Prior to the Vietnam War, the Navy awarded "Battle Stars" for combat participation. Since the Vietnam War, the Battle Effectiveness Award ("Battle E") became the primary measure of battle efficiency.

Beyond these awards, USS Anchorage also earned the prestigious Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy in 1987 for exceptional battle efficiency and received a Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation for exceptional service in 1995.

NOTE: It has been extremely difficult verifying the medals awarded to USS Anchorage. The information above is from NHHC, NDAWS, COMNAVSURFPAC, COMPACFLT, NAVSEA, and numerous others. I do believe this information to be the most accurate found anywhere. I am also trying to verify the ‘Command Excellence Awards’ our ship earned in her 34 years of service; this has been an even bigger task. Once those are found, they will be listed here.

I've have been able hear firsthand from the people who lived and breathed the history of our ship.

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