GATOR NAVY! USS ANCHORAGE (LSD 36) HISTORICAL TIMELINE

• Deployment - January 19 to March 13
• Deployment - May 1 to December 10
• International Date Line Crossing at Latitude 24° 0' 30" Longitude 180° 0' 0" on May 12
• International Date Line Crossing at Latitude 34° 50' 0" Longitude 180° 0' 0" on December 4

January started with USS Anchorage docked at Berth 19, Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California. On January 7, the ship got underway for NBSD (Naval Base San Diego), arriving January 9.

On January 31, the ship departed for Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam to transport Marine Corps personnel back to the United States as part of Operation Keystone Blue Jay, a planned withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam. USS Anchorage arrived in Da Nang on February 19, where it loaded personnel and equipment belonging to the USMC 7th Motor Battalion. On February 24, the ship got underway en route to Del Mar, California, arriving March 12 off Camp Del Mar to offload USMC personnel and equipment. While offloading a Marine M54 truck and trailer with gears disengaged, was lost in seven fathoms of water after being struck by an LCU (Landing Craft Utility). USS Anchorage arrived NBSD March 13.

During April the ship operated in and out of port and SOCAL (Southern California Operations Area) conducting a variety of drills and exercises (e.g. fire drills, flight quarters, live-fire exercises, steering casualty drills, etc.).

USS Anchorage embarked on its second deployment of the year May 1, joining PHIBRON 5 (Amphibious Squadron) alongside USS Okinawa (LPH 3), USS Mobile (LKA 115), and USS Duluth (LPD 6), marking a significant milestone as the first 20-knot Amphibious Squadron. The ship stopped at Pearl Harbor May 6, was at Johnston Atoll May 11, crossed the International Date Line May 12, stopped at Naval Station, Yokosuka, Japan May 19, Kin Red Beach, Chin Wan Bay May 29, and Buckner Bay, Okinawa, Japan May 30.

Throughout the remainder of the year, the ship traversed the Pacific Ocean, operating between numerous ports in the Republic of the Philippines (Green Beach, Lagonoy Gulf, Paluan Bay, Subic Bay), Republic of Vietnam (An Thoi, Cam Ranh Bay, Da Nang, Vung Tau), Sasebo and Okinawa (Buckner Bay, Kin Red Beach), Japan. USS Anchorage would carry USMC personnel and equipment between their bases and to/from amphibious exercises.

Just a few of the year’s highlights:

While anchored off An Thoi, Republic of Vietnam, the ship’s .50 Caliber machine gun mounts were manned, and the ship’s boats were used for security patrols around the ship. On June 12, the ship’s crew were called to General Quarters because of bubbles sighted astern of USS Tutuila (ARG 4) which was anchored nearby. Bubbles could be a sign of North Vietnamese divers (Sappers) planting explosives.

“VC & NVA sappers occasionally placed magnetic limpet mines against the hulls of ships when they were in South Vietnamese harbors. We were told to watch for bubbles alongside.” LTJG Joe O’Loughlin (11/70-4/72)

USS Anchorage got underway from Hong Kong September 12 to avoid incoming Typhoon Georgia, returning two days later.

On October 2, a landing craft punctured a 27” x 14” hole in the portside of the well deck. Just 19 months from commissioning, the Commanding Officer wanted to know who poked a hole in his brand-new ship.

On October 9, while backing away from being moored starboard side of USS Duluth (LPD 6), USS Anchorage smashed starboard side life raft racks and port side of USS Duluth (LPD 6), causing minor damage on both ships.

On October 24, while in the area of Lagonoy Gulf, the ship conducted relief operations for victims of Typhoons Joan and Kate. USS Anchorage, along with USS Okinawa (LPH 3), USS Duluth (LPD 6), and helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 164, flew 70 relief sorties and delivered 65 tons of supplies in five days of operations. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps medical teams treated over 1,000 patients. USS Anchorage anchored 650 yards southeast of Buoy 19, Subic Bay on October 26.

USS Anchorage crossed the International Date Line for the second time this year on December 4.

The ship anchored 400 yards northwest of B Street Pier, San Diego on December 10, after having traveled over 42,000 miles during deployment. That same day, Pepper Tank Cleaning Company was called to remove approximately 500 gallons of Navy Standard/Special Fuel Oil (NSFO) from the pier and in the water because of personal error by duty oil king. The ship’s crew was also used to assist with pier clean-up and all work was completed December 11.

USS Anchorage earned Vietnam Service Medals for the periods February 18-21, June 7-18, June 26-28, July 23-27, August 9-12, September 12-15, September 25-29, October 1-3, October 5-7, and November 5-6.

DECK LOGS: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

7th Motor Transport Battaltion Command Chronology - 12/1970 PDF

• Deployment - February 22 to May 11
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 164° 30' 0" W on March 2
• Deployment - October 1, 1971 to July 24, 1972

The ship hosted a Family Day Cruise on February 11. USS Anchorage got underway for Port Hueneme, California February 20, to load construction materials for a communications center to be built on the island of Diego Garcia, Chagos Archipelago, as a part of Operation Reindeer Station.

Departing the California coast on February 22, USS Anchorage was bound for Australia. Before arriving in Sydney, Neptunas Rex boarded the ship on March 2 to oversee the equator crossing ceremony. On March 13 as the ship was approaching Wooloomooloo Pier in Sydney, a moderate current and windy condition caused USS Anchorage to scrape paint with a German flagged merchant vessel which was directly astern; there was no structural damage. USS Anchorage opened the ship to visitors on March 14. The ship got underway for Perth on March 18, arriving March 24. On March 25 in Perth, Capt. Cyrus Albert Rank relieved Capt. Percy Stuart Beaman as Commanding Officer. In attendance for this change of command ceremony was Commodore James Maxwell Ramsey, Royal Australian Navy, Mr. Lacey, U.S. Consul Perth, Brigadier G.L. Larkin C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire), Sir Frederick Samson, Mayor of Freemantle, Air Commodore Samuel William Dallywater O.B.E. (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). The ship was opened to visitors on March 27.

USS Anchorage then proceeded to Diego Garcia, arriving April 4. The ship unloaded the construction materials, and left the next day for Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines for minor repairs and replenishment. Just after getting underway, the ship took intelligence photographs of a Soviet T-58 Class mine-sweeper. Following a visit to Hong Kong from April 17 to 22, the ship got underway for Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, anchoring there before the weekend.

In support of Operation Keystone Robin Charlie, the ship loaded 11th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Division Marine Corps personnel and equipment through the weekend. The equipment included 86 vehicles, and supplies which totaled 657.6 short tons and took up 16,639 square feet of space. The ship departed for the United States April 23 arriving home May 11.

The ship resumed operations on June 28 as a training ship for landing exercises off Seal Beach, California.

On July 11, while moored in San Diego, an alarm sounded in an ammunition stowage magazine due to excessive temperature in the compartment. The duty gunners mate emptied the magazine, and the bulkheads were hosed down to cool off the space. Refresher training (REFTRA) took place July 20-30. On July 26 at 2206, while streaming outside SD Harbor, the ship’s aft lookout reported a small civilian craft had hit the ship’s port side. The ship’s boat was put in the water to render assistance and get more information on the boat. The only damage to the small boat was a 6-8” splinter of wood on its starboard side. On July 30, PHIBRON 5 (Amphibious Squadron) and FLETRAGRU (Fleet Training Group) boarded to observe the last day of REFTRA.

From August 2-6, the ship served as Primary Control Ship for RESMAULEX (Reserve Marine Amphibious Unit Landing Exercise) which was conducted in SOCAL (Southern California Operations Area) and Camp Pendleton. USS Anchorage was with USS Denver (LPD 9), USS Tripoli (LPH 10), USS Schenectady (LST 1185), USS Mobile (LKA 115), USS Benecia (PGM 96), and the USS Douglas (PGM 100). The exercise evaluated every facet of amphibious operations, landing units by surface and air assault, anti-submarine warfare drills, anti-aircraft and surface defense exercises, electronic warfare problems, communications drills, underway replenishments, shore bombardment, boat, and helicopter control drills, and even ship towing. USS Anchorage left San Diego on August 16 to depart for her namesake city, Anchorage, Alaska, where she remained from August 22 to 26. On her return, the ship made stops at Alameda, California to unload aircraft and Port Hueneme, California to load causeways, before arriving NBSD (Naval Base San Diego) September 1. The causeways were unloaded in San Diego Harbor before the ship moored.

USS Anchorage was in port for most of September except for hosting a Family Day Cruise September 22.

USS Anchorage got underway October 1 for another Western Pacific deployment (WETSPAC). For most of this deployment the ship steamed in company with USS Tripoli (LPH 10), USS Tuscaloosa (LST 1187), and USS Duluth (LPD 6). As with any other deployment the ship would occasionally be joined by other ships forming task groups or breaking off to operate independently. The ship spent two days at Pearl Harbor before continuing to Buckner Bay, Okinawa, Japan. In Okinawa, the ship embarked Marines for transportation to Subic Bay. While in Okinawa on October 19, the ship had a visit from Vice Adm. Nels C. Johnson, Commander Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. USS Anchorage got underway from Okinawa on October 21 en route to Subic Bay via Republic of Vietnam operating area. On October 31, while in Subic Bay, a Filippino intruder was discovered onboard and taken into custody by base security.

USS Anchorage got underway for Kaohsiung, Taiwan November 6, arrived November 11, got underway for the return November 12, and arrived back in Subic Bay November 13. After just five hours, USS Anchorage got underway and would spend the next nine days making three round trips to Vung Tau, Republic of Vietnam. The ship got underway for Sasebo, Japan November 26, arriving November 30.

After spending almost a week in Sasebo, the ship departed for Subic Bay December 6, but made a short stop at Buckner Bay, Okinawa first. On December 7, USS Anchorage anchored in Buckner Bay at 0127, commenced well deck operations at 0139, and was back underway for Subic Bay at 0908.

On December 8, USS Tripoli (LPH 10) was operating away from formation, when two of their Marines went overboard; their first deck log entry was at 1456. While the first one was rescued by helicopter minutes later, the other remained missing. At 2214, USS Tripoli rejoined formation and a short time later the convoy returned to continue the search, with helo ops at first light. Search patterns included a two-mile box centered around the incident and a ten-mile box downwind. USS Anchorage helo ops commenced at 0930 on December 9. Unfortunately, the outcome of the man overboard incident remains unknown. An examination of USS Tripoli deck logs for the following three days revealed no recorded resolution to the event.

During the trip back to Subic Bay, while operating in an area off the Republic of Vietnam on December 10, a helicopter brought 14 UDT (Underwater Demolitions Team) personnel onboard for a temporary assignment. USS Anchorage arrived Subic Bay December 20. The UDT divers made minor hull work repairs on December 23. On December 26, the ship got underway for Hong Kong, where it would spend New Year’s.

USS Anchorage earned a Vietnam Service Medal for the periods April 11-12, April 22-24, October 25-26, November 14-16, November 19-21, and December 12-18.

DECK LOGS: JAN FEB MAR APR JUN JUL SEP OCT NOV DEC

• Deployment - October 1, 1971 to July 24, 1972
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 105° 30' 0" E on February 9, 1972

After arriving Subic Bay in early January 1972, the ship entered floating dry dock USS Competent (AFDM 6) for a few days to correct some minor issues experienced while underway. USS Anchorage earned a Vietnam Service Medal for the periods January 28-February 1, February 7-9 and 15-17, March 21, and April 1-May 7.

While off Vietnam, USS Anchorage took part in Operation Song Than 6-72, meaning ‘tsunami’ in Vietnamese. The amphibious landing took place on May 24, after artillery, air, and naval gunfire strikes on Red Beach. USS Mobile departed Gulf of Tonkin on May 25, leaving her four LCM-6's (Landing Craft, Mechanized) with USS Anchorage to provide additional landing craft to support operations. Multiple LCM-6s from the USS Anchorage were called in to rescue South Vietnamese Marines from an LVT (Amphibious Vehicle, Tracked) which was dead in the water just off the beach.

One of the LCM-6 coxswains had to enter the water to attach a tow line to the stranded LVT, which was then towed back to the ship’s well deck. The rescued Marines recovered onboard before being removed by helicopter. While this rescue mission was taking place, the North Vietnamese Army was firing on U.S. Navy ships offshore. USS Anchorage was never hit; however, the ship’s recovery boats did take fire and were close enough to have been sprayed with water from exploding shells.

“I remember that day. I was a signalman assigned to a landing craft. I recall one artillery round fired at the group of ships standing off the beach. It landed harmlessly in the general vicinity of two or three vessels. I remember the geyser created on impact. The immediate response was for all ships to move further out. I suppose it was just pure luck none of the ships were hit, but we all thought it was fairly comical at the time.” SM3 Richard Brinton (2/71-1/74)

“We were called to GQ early in the morning and I believe we were going to drop Vietnamese marines ashore. We were all at our stations when all of a sudden the ships out beyond us started a barrage onto the shoreline, that finished and everything went quiet, out of nowhere the air started shaking from a B-52 run (never even saw them), everything went quiet, again out of nowhere, jets came in a did a low level run dropping napalm (that was pretty spectacular), everything went quiet again. Time for us to do our job. The Duluth was first to go (we were making a big U shape). As we started our run (we had a destroyer between us and the shore), there were three outbound shells that overshot the destroyer and landed in the water between us and the destroyer. As soon as that was noticed the destroyer turned its guns and fired multiple rounds at a mound (the guns were basically firing at point bank range, no barrel elevation). Nothing more was heard. We continued our objective, made the U-turn, and headed back out to sea. This was all quite surreal as we watched from the flight deck and fantail.” SF3 Robert Van Der Borg (10/69-9/72)

USS Anchorage earned a Combat Action Ribbon for the period of May 24 and a Vietnam Service Medal for the periods May 19-June 11, June 24-26, and June 29-July 1.

USS Anchorage visited Kaohsiung, Taiwan in early July, then arrived back at Subic Bay on July 8 because of a leaking rudder. While enroute, pumps ran constantly trying to empty the bilge. USS Anchorage was placed in a floating dry dock for repairs. A job that normally takes multiple days was completed in a 24-hour period, and the ship left the Philippines on July 9. The ship arrived in San Diego on July 24. On August 10, CAPT Robert Newton Congdon relieved CAPT Cyrus Albert Rank as Commanding Officer.

DECK LOGS: JAN FEB APR MAY JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

• Deployment - December 8, 1973 to April 18, 1974

USS Anchorage traveled to Seal Beach late in January 1973 to unload ammunition. The ship returned to San Diego on February 1 and began an overhaul at Naval Base San Diego on February 19. During this yard work, a fire broke out on board and prolonged her stay in overhaul.

"I was on the quarter deck as Petty Officer of the Watch when the call came in. The caller reported the fire then hung up before giving a location. I had to use the PA to get him to call back. He then gave misinformation on the location because he was just out of boot camp and gave the compartment number where he was calling back from and not of the fire. It took a while to find the fire. Until they reached him, they only knew it was below, aft. The boot had been assigned to fire watch with a welder.” GM3 Glen Larsen (10/69-7/73)

On September 23, Cmdr. Louis Pelayo Aldana relieved Cmdr. Robert Newton Congdan as Commanding Officer.

DECK LOGS: JAN FEB MAR APR JUN AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

• Deployment - December 8, 1973 to April 18, 1974
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 84° 40' 0" E on February 22

On January 13 at 0749, just before mooring at Navy Pier, White Beach, Okinawa, the mast of USAV LT 579 (US Army Vessel Large) struck a ship's life raft frame.

On January 17th, while enroute to Iwakuni, Japan, via the Shimonoseki Straits, USS Anchorage encountered two near‐collisions with other vessels. In the first incident, the Greek merchant vessel Aristeides made a right turn, creating a crossing situation. USS Anchorage responded with emergency maneuvers, including reversing engines, stopping, and executing a right full rudder, while the Aristeides dropped anchor. Later that evening, another vessel crossed the ship's path. USS Anchorage again took evasive action, narrowly avoiding a collision with the vessel passing just 20 yards off its bow.

USS Anchorage would return to San Diego April 10, having traveled a total of 25,128 miles while on this deployment.

On July 29, the ship headed northward to conduct a survey mission of potential amphibious training areas in Alaska; embarked scientists surveyed ten possible landing sites.

USS Anchorage began a restricted availability in Long Beach, California on October 17. The crew generally had a four-day work week, so that those commuting to/from San Diego could spend more time with family and less time on the road. After the work was completed on December 16, she returned to her home port of San Diego for the holidays.

"As I recall the Anchorage had a 600 PSI propulsion plant until it went into dry dock in Long Beach about 1974. The engineering plant had been disassembled and hauled back to National Steel in San Diego for refurbishment where it was destroyed in a fire at the repair facility. The ship left the yard with a hybrid 1200 PSI plant. There were not enough 600 PSI parts in the supply system to rebuild the damaged unit.” LTJG Chuck Johnson (7/72-5/75)

DECK LOGS: JAN FEB MAR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV

• Deployment - March 28 to November 16

After a period of upkeep in San Diego, USS Anchorage departed as part of Task Force 76 and PHIBRON 5, for WESTPAC on March 28.

The ship, along with Marines and their equipment, anchored off the South Vietnam coast April 30 to participate in Operation Frequent Wind, originally named Operation Talon Vise. USS Anchorage earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation for the period April 22-30 and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal for the period April 29-30. The ship was part of Task Group 76.9 - Movement Transport Group Charlie. USS Anchorage provided material support to ships evacuating Vietnamese refugees.

On May 13, the ship’s scheduled operations were interrupted by the Mayaguez incident. USS Anchorage was ordered to proceed south to provide support as needed for the rescue of SS Mayaguez, a U.S. merchant ship that had been seized by the Khmer Rouge. Following the ship's rescue, USS Anchorage resumed her original schedule.

While in Inchon, South Korea, Cmdr. Arthur St. Clair Wright relieved Cmdr. Louis Pelayo Aldana as Commanding Officer on June 28.

After just a few months, another change in command took place on September 1, when Cmdr. John Robert Lund relieved Cmdr. Arthur St. Clair Wright as Commanding Officer. Most of September had the ship avoiding several typhoons in the area.

USS Anchorage and six other ships of PHIBRON 5, took part in Operation Polymode (Mid-Ocean Dynamics Experiment), which ran from October 28 to November 9. Operation Polymode was a survey to collect ocean surface layer salinity and upper thermal structure data in a broad swath between Japan and Hawaii. The seven ships rendezvoused and proceeded to the study area, where they lined up abreast, 25 nautical miles apart, taking measurements every two hours.

The ship arrived in San Diego on November 16.

DECK LOGS: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Polymode Survey *Operation Polymode - 11/1975 PDF

• Deployment - March 29 to November 17
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 105° 56' 0" E on July 25

On March 11, the ship hosted a Family Day Cruise from 0912 to 1518.

USS Anchorage was underway for WESTPAC on March 29, en route to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. On March 31, the ship was in formation with USS St. Louis (LKA 116), USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Alamo (LSD 33), USS Schenectady (LST 1185), USS Cayuga (LST 1186), and USS Tuscaloosa (LST 1187). While underway in the waters south of Singapore, USS Anchorage crossed the equator on July 25.

Among the many amphibious exercises in which the ship participated was Operation Fortress Lightning from October 10 to 23, held in waters near Santa Cruz, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Nearly 100 Navy and Marine Corps commands were involved in the planning of this exercise and the operational order consisted of almost 1000 pages; 30 U.S. Navy ships with thousands of Marines and 135 aircraft participated.

"While piloting the LCPL during amphibious landings, I experienced the heaviest rain ever felt. Buckets! No, I mean it felt like getting hit with buckets." BMSN Michael P. McGrath (5/76-/1/78)

”I remember that day as well. Spent most of it standing on the signal bridge watching landing craft and getting soaked. Later that evening we lost radar contact with the boats due to the pouring rain. We had to look for them using the searchlights on the signal bridge. Never saw crap, too dark and rainy.” SMSA Dennis Pard (2/77-8/80)

Just before the exercise was over, on October 21, a CH-53D dropped off a cliff and fell 400 feet into the Philippine jungle, killing 24 of the 37 onboard.

”I remember that one! Sitting in CIC and the request for body bags came over the net. Sad day.“ OS2 Curt Folstad (4/76-12/79)

DECK LOGS: JAN MAR APR JUN JUL SEP OCT NOV DEC

• Deployment - January 4 to July 3
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 65° 05' 0" E on March 10
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 000° 00' 0" E on May 4 *need coordinates

While at Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, a refurbished LCU (Landing Craft, Utility) was loaded for transport to the Republic of Djibouti located on the northeast coast of East Africa near the Horn of Africa. The LCU—dubbed Le Bac de la Paix (The Boat of Peace) was a gift from the United States to Djibouti to enhance the country's inadequate commercial transportation system. USS Anchorage left Subic Bay on February 15 to begin her goodwill mission.

Steaming by way of Singapore, the ship crossed the Indian Ocean and arrived in Djibouti on March 3. USS Anchorage spent two days in Djibouti, delivering America's gift and helping to cement relations between the two governments and peoples. From Djibouti, the ship headed for Diego Garcia, Chagos Archipelago to deliver barges to that isolated American outpost in the middle of the Indian Ocean. USS Anchorage earned a Navy Expeditionary Medal for the period February 23-March 19.

• Deployment - June 23 to December 23

The ship stopped at Pearl Harbor at the beginning of July and remained in the Hawaiian Islands for the first three weeks of the month completing an oft-delayed propulsion plant certification.

“In Hawaii is when we almost flooded the #2 Main Machinery Room (MMR). The ballast tank hatch wasn't bolted down after it was opened for some reason, planned maintenance, I guess. The ship went to General Quarters because of the flooding. Tense 30 minutes. We were ballasting down and water in MMR started coming up. We stopped and ballasted back up and found the open cover in the bilges and it got bolted down. HT's took care of it. Water got to the very bottom of #2 Boiler. No damage.” BT Hank Watson (7/79-2/83)

• Deployment - September 12, 1983 to March 6, 1984

In May, the ship paid a courtesy visit to her namesake city, Anchorage, Alaska. A few days after leaving Alaska, a ship’s roving patrol found a stowaway in a troop berthing mop closet. A crew member had brought a girl onboard for the return trip home and a Coast Guard helicopter was used to remove her. After the trip to Alaska, USS Anchorage returned to San Diego in the middle of June, and began a three-month period preparing for an upcoming deployment.

On September 12, the ship got underway with PHIBRON 7 (Amphibious Squadron) en route to Southeast Asia. After an extensive stay at Pearl Harbor, USS Anchorage resumed the voyage west, arriving Yokosuka, Japan on October 14. After departing Yokosuka, over the next several months, USS Anchorage actively participated in numerous operations with U.S. Marines while shuttling them between their bases and training exercises.

• Deployment - September 12, 1983 to March 6, 1984
• Homeport Changed to Long Beach in August

In late January, USS Anchorage returned to Yokosuka, Japan, to disembark the final contingent of Marines. After a brief stay, the ship departed February 8 en route to San Diego. After stops in Guam and Pearl Harbor, the ship arrived in San Diego March 6.

USS Anchorge underwent extensive repairs and modifications for nearly five months before making the brief passage from San Diego to her new homeport of Long Beach, California August 23.

On December 1, Cmdr. Michael Dennis Quigley relieved Cmdr. Raymond Robert Kruszona as Commanding Officer.

• Deployment - March 27 to September 4

Following upkeep in the first quarter, USS Anchorage departed Long Beach on March 27 for a deployment to Southeast Asia. The ship conducted a brief stopover in Sasebo, Japan, for resupply, before proceeding to Pohang, South Korea, to embark U.S. Marines and their equipment. On April 18, the ship was underway for Yokohama, Japan.

USS Anchorage would spend the next four months crisscrossing the Pacific returning Marines to their bases or transporting them to various locations for combat training exercises. The ship would frequently participate alongside them to refine its amphibious warfare capabilities.

After embarking the final group of Marines in Yokohama, August 9-11, the ship returned them to Buckner Bay, Okinawa, on August 14. USS Anchorage then commenced its voyage back to the United States, making a port call at Pearl Harbor from August 26 to 28. The ship arrived back in Long Beach on September 4.

The ship subsequently entered a post-deployment stand-down period through October 10 and conducted local operations for the remainder of the year.

• Deployment - January to July 9
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 151° 18' 5" on May 24
• Equator & International Date Line Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 00" Longitude 180° 0' 0" on June 23

In January, the ship headed north to Alaska and while with Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 3 in the Bering Sea, took part in Kernel Potlatch 87. This was the first winter amphibious operation in the Aleutian Islands since World War II, and for this, USS Anchorage earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation. Afterwards, the ship would continue her journey and during her time in the Pacific Ocean took part in Team Spirit 87, the 12th annual joint exercise with the South Korean military.

While on WESTPAC ... “I went back to rotate watches and the watch was missing. The sound-power headphones were hanging over the side and his ball cap was on the deck. This was during the early evening but dark as hell. We sounded man overboard alarm. The fleet was circling out to find him. We all had binoculars looking for him. They found him a half hour later. He was sleeping in one of the compartments below. That dude went to see the Captain.” BMSN Ron Hayes (86-7/87)

On May 29, the ship was called to help USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3), which had been drifting for five days after losing power to both engines and one of two generators.

“We were bobbing like a cork.” FC1 Terry Davenport USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3)

Once on station, the ship's crew immediately went to work, preparing for the tow. After several failed attempts to transfer a tow line by pulling alongside, USS Anchorage launched a small boat to facilitate the transfer.

"I believe it was GMG3 Allen who did finally make the shot when they succeeded. It took a few tries because navigating directly in front of us without a collision in less than smooth seas was difficult. Not to mention our flight deck at 63 feet was significantly higher than the fantail of the Anchorage. The crew of both ships and all involved did a great job in a difficult situation." FC2 Tony DeLuca USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3)

USS Anchorage towed USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) toward Sydney for repairs, but after a few days, USS Belleau Wood was finally able to repair its boilers enough to continue under its own power."

In a Seventh Fleet Public Affairs Press Release dated June 22, it was announced that USS Anchorage was awarded the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy, which is presented annually and demonstrates the greatest improvement in battle efficiency from the previous year.

USS Anchorage (LSD 36) towing the USS Belleau Woods (LHA 3) - 3/1987 YOUTUBE

• Deployment - July 8 to December 20

USS Anchorage got underway on July 8 for another WESTPAC. Stops included Pusan, South Korea July 26-27; Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines August 7-14; Pattaya, Thailand August 22-26; Subic Bay September 11-25; Okinawa, Japan on September 28; Fukuoka, Japan November 1-5; Subic Bay November 11-20; Hong Kong November 22-27; and Pearl Harbor on December 12. USS Anchorage returned to her home port of Long Beach on December 20.

• Deployment - Desert Storm - December 1, 1990 to June 29, 1991

Deployment of the 5th MEB (Marine Expeditionary Brigade) to the Arabian Gulf was talked about as early as August 1990 but they had a shipping problem. Only nine ships were available, and the MEB needed 15. On November 9, USS Anchorage was made available but was unable to undergo a pre-deployment work-up. Finally, on December 1, the ship got underway carrying Marines from the 5th MEB (Marine Expeditionary Brigade), including the Headquarters element of Second Battalion, Eleventh Marine Regiment (2/11). Also embarked were a detachment of LAAD (Low Altitude Air Defense)/LAAM (Light Antiaircraft Missile) Marines and two LCAC’s (Landing Craft, Air Cushion) with their USN crews. USS Anchorage joined ships from two other West Coast ports as part of Amphibious Group Three. These 18 ships formed the largest amphibious group to depart from the West Coast since the Vietnam deployment in 1965. This time in support of Operation Desert Storm, which was the U.S.-led and United Nations-authorized war against Iraq. The coalition force was comprised of 34 nations. While enroute to the Persian Gulf, and after a stop at Pearl Harbor, the ship entered Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines December 27.

“I would guess that the Anchorage never had more lives aboard while underway. Steaming for weeks with berthing filled to capacity presented some challenges, but in general the embarked Marines and the ship’s crew respected each other’s role in their duties while steaming to Kuwait and during upcoming ground combat. The passage from San Diego to the Persian Gulf had a very serious tone as Marine casualties were expected to be high for the planned amphibious assault on Kuwait.” LT John Koella (11/90-7/91)

On December 29, 1990, Cmdr. Terrance Paul Labrecque relieved Cmdr. Gregory Clinton Butler as Commanding Officer.

• Deployment - Desert Storm - December 1, 1990 to June 29, 1991

USS Anchorage joined the USS Ranger (CV 61) Carrier Battle Group in the North Arabian Sea on January 12. Amphibious Group Three joined another amphibious group already on station, forming the largest amphibious task force assembled in a combat zone since the Inchon landing during the Korean Conflict in 1950.

Amphibious Group Three consisted of 18 ships; USS Tarawa (LHA 1), USS Durham (LKA 114), USS Mobile (LKA 115), USS Vancouver (LPD 2), USS Ogden (LPD 5), USS Denver (LPD 9), USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Okinawa (LPH 3), USS Tripoli (LPH 10), USS New Orleans (LPH 11), USS Anchorage (LSD 36), USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39), USS Germantown (LSD 42), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Peoria (LST 1183), USS Frederick (LST 1184), USS Cayuga (LST 1186), and USS Barbour County (LST 1195).

At 0400 on February 24, ground operations were underway to recapture Kuwait. After a delay due to severe weather and harbor mines, USS Anchorage began offloading at 1400 on February 24, landing the 5th MEB over the beach at Al Mishab, Saudi Arabia. Offloading continued until February 27. The ship was backloaded in seven hours (fastest of any LSD) and her LCAC carried the most tonnage of any LCAC and had the fewest breakdowns. While serving during Desert Storm, USS Anchorage earned a Navy Unit Commendation for the period August 1, 1990-April 1, 1991.

USS Anchorage earned a Southwest Asia Service Medal for the period January 12 to May 8. On its way home, while sailing nearby in the Indian Ocean, President George H. W. Bush diverted USS Anchorage to the Bay of Bengal on May 11 to take part in Operation Productive Effort, later changed to Operation Sea Angel by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell. Operation Sea Angel was the international humanitarian effort to assist Bangladesh in dealing with the devastation of Cyclone Marian and was one of the largest military disaster relief efforts ever conducted, with the United Kingdom, China, India, Pakistan, and Japan also participating. The U.S. alone had 15 ships and 2500 men. USS Anchorage, as part of Task Group 76.6, along with USS Tarawa (LHA 1), USS Vancouver (LPD 2), USS Juneau (LPD 10), USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39), USS Frederick (LST 1184), USS Barbour County (LST 1195), and USS St. Louis (LKA 116), anchored off Chittagong, Bangladesh, to offload material and serve as forward replenishment stations.

On May 19, the 2/11 battalion surgeon, LT John Koella, who also served as the ship's Medical Officer, along with the ‘green side’ 2/11 USN corpsman who were embarked on USS Anchorage, and a USMC reservist nurse, Sgt. James Peacock, went ashore via LCAC to assume control of the Kutubdia Island Health Complex. Kutubdia Island Health Complex, the only permanent medical facility on Kutubdia Island, was in terrible condition. No electricity or running water, lack of medical equipment, patients were defecating, vomiting, and urinating on the floor, clouds of flies covered each patient, and ants covered IV bags. After a five-day stay improving conditions, and with the increase in local staffing, the team returned to USS Anchorage.

“We hosted a visit by Marilyn Quayle, the Vice President’s wife, who was accompanied by Major General Henry Stackpole, and gave her a tour of the facility. It was a great honor for our team. Although the sailors were attached to the USMC (‘green side’ Navy) they were Navy personnel from the USS Anchorage. Unlike the usual WestPac our deployment did not involve much recreation, liberty time or visits to foreign ports, but it was honorable service for the Anchorage and her crew.” Lt. John Koella (11/90-7/91)

Cyclone Marian claimed 138,866 lives, killed more than 1 million livestock, displaced more than 10 million people, ruined more than 74,000 acres of vital crops, and a 20-foot storm surge covered an additional 300,000 acres of farmland with seawater. Operation Sea Angel, with its 3,300 tons of supplies, is credited with having saved as many as 200,000 lives. USS Anchorage alone delivered over 1,500 tons; earning the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the ship's second Humanitarian Service Medal for her efforts.

USS Anchorage earned a Joint Meritorious Unit Award for the period May 10-June 13.

US Navy in Desert Shield/Desert Storm - 1/1991 WEBSITE

• Homeport Changed Back to San Diego in May

In June, the ship headed north to Alaska for a week-long port visit in Anchorage. On this trip, an anchor removed during the recent overhaul was transported, then presented to the City of Anchorage on June 16. This anchor is now located at the end of Ship Creek Small Boat Launch in Anchorage. The ship took part in Summer Solstice ceremonies on June 21.

“The trip to Alaska was the first long haul after months of dry dock and removing the anchor. I remember the Captain playing the song “North to Alaska” on the intercom as we were leaving. They had this program called adopt a sailor where families in Alaska would take one of us into their home for the duration of our liberty. I don’t know how many participated, but I did, and it was fun.” BMSN Carl Spell (3/92-5/95)

After her return and before the summer was over, USS Anchorage hosted the ever-popular Family Day Cruise out of San Diego. These cruises provide an opportunity for family and friends of the crew to experience what sailors do on a daily basis. On September 11, Cmdr. Thomas J. Brown relieved Cmdr. Terrance P. Labrecque as Commanding Officer.

Ship's anchor is located at Ship Creek Small Boat Launch, Anchorage, Alaska WEBPAGE

• Deployment - January 21 to July 20
• Equator Crossing *canceled due to severe weather

USS Anchorage was deployed on January 21, and would head directly to Singapore, going through one of those 'memorable' storms while enroute. No equator crossing ceremony was held because of the severe weather. After Singapore, as part of Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, the ship, along with USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Duluth (LPD 6), and USS Frederick (LST 1184), would spend time off the coast of Somalia to serve in Operation Continue Hope. Operation Continue Hope provided support of a United Nations Operation to establish a secure environment for humanitarian relief by providing personnel, communications, intelligence support, a quick reaction force, and other elements as required. The ship spent several days docked in Mogadishu and visited Mombasa, Somalia several times. CDR Paul Christopher Cassani relieved CDR Thomas Joseph Brown Jr. as Commanding Officer on March 24 while in Mombasa.

"Our first Captain, CDR Brown, was very strict with all hands. He refused to run our A/C; the troops below were suffering greatly, especially being on the equator in the summer. The 03 deck and above had the A/C running. The day CDR Cassani took over, he had our A/C turned on, which allowed the Marines to change to our summer sexy UDT shorts and t- shirt.” LCpl Daniel Montague USMC G 2/11 (7/93-7/94)

The Marines assigned to USS Anchorage took part in the amphibious withdrawal of US forces from Mogadishu on March 25. On April 12, USS Anchorage assisted in the evacuation of 142 U.S. Citizens from Rwanda during the Operation Distant Runner, evacuating 142 U.S. citizens from Rwanda. After operations off the coast of Africa, USS Anchorage departed for Perth, Australia. After several days in Perth, the ship would continue to Hawaii.

"While docked at Pearl, our aft was towards the Arizona Memorial. I was standing around when I heard a whistle. I looked over and saw a Japanese sub passing by with their crew rendering honors to the Arizona.” LCpl Daniel Montague USMC G 2/11 (7/93-7/94)

USS Anchorage earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the period March 2-June 3. USS Anchorage earned a Navy “E” Ribbon for the period January 1-December 31.

• Deployment - November 13, 1995 to May 13, 1996

USS Anchorage departed for WESTPAC November 13. The ship would visit Okinawa, Japan; Singapore; and Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates.

USS Anchorage earned a Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation for the period January 27-October 6, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the period December 23, 1995-March 28, 1996, and a Navy “E” Ribbon for the period January 1-December 31.

• Deployment - November 13, 1995 to May 13, 1996

On January 22, 1996, Cmdr. John Alexander Read relieved Cmdr. Paul Christopher Cassani as Commanding Officer. USS Anchorage earned an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the period December 23, 1995-March 28, 1996.

Following completion of her deployment, USS Anchorage received numerous systems upgrades and modifications in San Diego while dry docked at NASSCO (National Steel and Shipbuilding Company) for planned maintenance availability. While at NASSCO, the ship had a mooring line break.

“There was a higher tide than what was on the tide table causing one of the mooring lines to break” BMSN Michael Royer (2/94-3/97)

“We had high winds and a super tide. The BM3 was amazing” FC2 Jason Velasquez (11/93-7/98)

“We broke a few lines up forward, the ship swung into a USNS ship’s bow and back towards the shore. Everyone was worried that the screws were bent.” BM3 Lenny Schoenhofen (12/93-1/99)

“I remember everyone living on the ship had to run to the forecastle to work the mooring lines.” BMSN Roy V Feeley (2/94-9/96)

USS Anchorage earned a Navy “E” Ribbon for the period January 1-December 31, 1996.

• Deployment - June 22 to December 22

While in the Gulf the ship supported Operation Southern Watch and Operation Desert Fox.

“In the gulf, the Desert Ducks used to like to put duck prints on the flight deck when they would land. We started spray painting Runway 36 on the helos while they were fueling up. Well, we got in trouble for that, so we started taking off the valve stem caps from their tires and replacing them with ones painted blue with RUNWAY 36 in yellow.” HT3 Chip Land (8/96-2/01)

After leaving Kuwait, USS Anchorage was on its way to Australia when it was redirected back to the gulf after the two U.S. embassies were bombed in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, East Africa on August 7. USS Anchorage earned an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the period August 11-November 10. The ship returned to San Diego on December 22.

USS Anchorage earned a Navy “E” Ribbon for the period January 1-December 31.

• Deployment - August 14, 2000 to February 14, 2001
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 0" Longitude 172° 40' 0" E on August 30

USS Anchorage supported humanitarian efforts in Timor-Leste September 14-16. The ship was deployed to the vicinity of Aden, Yemen for Operation Determined Response on October 16. This was to assist in the support of USS Cole (DDG 67) and perform security of the harbor area. USS Cole (DDG 67) had been attacked by terrorists who detonated an inflatable type of boat filled with explosives, blowing a 40-foot hole, port side amidships. As a result, 17 Sailors were killed and 37 wounded. Along with USS Anchorage were USS Tarawa (LHA 1), USS Duluth (LPD 6), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Hawes (FFG 53), USNS CATAWBA (T-ATF 168), Marines of the 13th MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit), and the British ships HMS Cumberland (F 85) and HMS Marlborough (F 233). This assignment lasted until October 31. On November 10, CDR Kent Vernell Flowers relieved CDR David S. Angood as Commanding Officer. The ship took part in Marine Expeditionary Unit Exercise (MEUEX) off Kuwait December 1-10, and conducted MIO (Maritime Interdiction Operations) December 19-25, 2000, in support of United Nations Resolutions, the first amphibious ship to do so in nearly two years.

It was around this time while in the Persian Gulf, a body was found floating in the water. Who the person was, where he came from, and the exact cause of death was never determined. The body was placed in a body bag, stored in a refer for a few days, then placed in a safe with holes, and after a brief ceremony, pushed off the lowered stern gate.

“I was on the foc'sle when I saw the dead body we picked up in the Gulf. I literally froze knowing I should go to the nearest phone and call it in. But was in shock because I had only seen 2 bodies in my life and those were in caskets with makeup. This was a purple bloated human. What seemed like eternity went by but was probably a minute or less as we were underway and heard Man Overboard on the 1MC and jumped right back to reality and manned my station on the ship’s small boat. Then helped clean a refer out to store the body.” BM Chris Phelix (9/00-8/01)

USS Anchorage earned an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the period September 22, 2000-January 2, 2001.

• Deployment - August 14, 2000 to February 14, 2001

USS Anchorage earned an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for the period September 22, 2000-January 2, 2001.

The ship was in Thailand and Hong Kong before making a very special stop at Iwo Jima on January 24. While heading home, USS Anchorage stopped in Hawaii February 6 to host a Tiger Cruise for the voyage home. Tiger Cruises provide an opportunity for family and friends of the crew to experience what Navy Sailors do on a day-to-day basis. The ship arrived San Diego February 14.

Kernel Blitz took place March 20-April 6 off Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California. Exercise Kernel Blitz was an Amphibious Task Force exercise designed to strengthen USN/USMC integration for large-scale operations, and it involved over 20 ships, 70 aircraft and 10,000 personnel from four countries. USS Anchorage was the LCAC (Landing Craft, Air Cushion) Control Ship during these MEB (Marine Expeditionary Brigade) amphibious assault exercises.

USS Anchorage completed a multi-million dollar planned maintenance availability in June and then successfully completed a compressed Inter-Deployment Training Cycle (IDTC) in preparation for an April deployment to CARAT 2002 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training). IDTC is a period of preparation for deployment that involves training, inspections, evaluations, and planning.

• Deployment - April 8 to August 29
• Equator Crossing at Latitude 0° 0' 0" Longitude 106° 57' 0" E on May 16

USS Anchorage hosted a Family Day Cruise on April 5. On April 8, USS Anchorage departed for WESTPAC to be one of five ships, along with 1,400 military personnel, to represent the U.S. in CARAT 2002 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness And Training). The ship’s first stop was Okinawa, Japan, to load Marines.

Cmdr. Mark Edward Cedrun relieved Cmdr. Kent Vernell Flowers as Commanding Officer on May 3.

During CARAT, which ran from May through July. USS Anchorage spent a considerable amount of time in Brunei (May 6-13); Bali and Surabaya, Indonesia (May 27-); Kuantan, Malaysia (June 22-July 1); Thailand (June 10-19); Singapore (Jul 2-12); and Republic of the Philippines while U.S. Marines trained with the local armed forces.

Jungle training is the Brunei military’s forte. U.S. troops first trekked over three kilometers through dense forest and after reaching Brunei’s Landing Place-311, communications with the Marine command post on the USS Anchorage were established. U.S. Marine C-53D Sea Stallion and Royal Brunei Air Force helicopters provided troop transport to move 209 Brunei and U.S. troops from the jungle to a landing zone near USS Anchorage.

Royal Thai Marines cross-decked to USS Anchorage while a platoon of U.S. Marines cross-decked to the HTMS Naresuan, for an amphibious exercise. Meanwhile, three U.S. Marine C-53D Sea Stallion helicopters airlifted a combined anti-armor team and vehicles from the deck of USS Anchorage.

”The rumor was some U.S. Marines had eaten monkey parts while training with the Thai Marines and the U.S. Marines had gotten some sort of gastrointestinal virus and brought back to the ship and it spread to the sailors. Rumors, unsure if exactly true. All I remember is a lot of us lining up sick as heck at the medical bay to wait for a shot and a 24hr SIQ order.” BMSN Jerrell Girdner (10/00-10/03)

”It was a rumor we couldn’t confirm, but I wouldn’t put anything past the Marines. They do crazy things when they get bored in the field. Thank the lord that the crew was able to get over that bug. Quickly. Look at what USS Roosevelt (CVN 71) just went through with COVID-19. That wouldn’t have been fun at all. We were already limited to where we could go on liberty as it was. Lockdown in port would have really hurt our morale.” HMC Ugochukwu O Anosike (1/00-10/03)

Just before conducting an amphibious assault, a platoon of U.S. Marines and eight amphibious vehicles crossed over to the Royal Malaysian Navy landing ship KD Sri Inderapura, while a platoon from the 9th Royal Malaysian Regiment and several armored vehicles and jeeps crossed over to the USS Anchorage.

USS Anchorage spent time at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, taking part in opening ceremonies, a sports day, and a BBQ with Singapore Navy personnel.

USS Anchorage would then return to Okinawa to drop off Marines before returning to San Diego on August 29.

USS Anchorage earned a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for the period of October 1. The ship underwent upkeep from September 29 to October 7. Deck landing qualifications were conducted October 8-11, followed by operational testing of the Marine Corps' Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) prototype from October 15-17.

While underway, returning to San Diego, a burial at sea was held October 17.

"It was a task from Third Fleet. It was either 4 or 5 burials. Former military that wanted a burial at sea. Entire ship involved in dress uniforms. Filmed and photographed and provided to families along with location coordinates." Cmdr. Nick Rangel (9/01-10/03)

• Deployment - January 17 to July 3

On January 17, USS Anchorage departed San Diego Bay for an unscheduled deployment in support of U.S. national interests along with the USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and USS Cleveland (LPD 7). Together the ‘Magnificent Seven’ formed the largest Amphibious Task Force (ATF-W) ever assembled to combat global terrorism. USS Anchorage carried Marines from the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance and 1st Battalion 11th Marine Division.

On March 8, USS Anchorage commenced logistical support of Gas & Oil Platforms (GOPLATs) Mina Al Bakr Oil Terminal (MABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) in the Northern Arabian Gulf. The U.S. was afraid Iraqi forces would blow up the two GOPLATS, so Navy Seals boarded both. The security detail was eventually replaced with U.S. Coast Guard Reservists. USS Anchorage assisted the Coast Guard personnel assigned to protect the platforms by providing daily quality of life amenities, such as hot showers, three meals a day and bunks to sleep in.

The ship would operate in between the two GOPLATS and use the ship’s small boats to facilitate assistance. On one occasion, a command decision was made to tie up to MABOT, and because of rough seas the ship requested assistance from tugs. The Pilot who boarded was South African, the forward portside tug captain was from the Philippines, and the more powerful portside aft tug captain was a Dutchman. While the forward tug captain thought he was controlling his power, a sheared shaft created unbalanced movement between the two tugs, and even with the ship’s quick response, USS Anchorage made contact with the platform, resulting in a few dents and two small holes in the starboard side bow.

”We were supposed to moor to it in order to provide support to the Coast Guard detachment that was left there with very little support. They sent two different sized tugs to push us to the platform. One overpowered the other and shoved the bow into the platform, ripping a couple of holes in the bow creating some needed fresh air in the bos'n locker.” BM1 Lenny Schoenhofen (4/02-10/03)

"I was on the bridge, old man was pissed. Two tugs, one was a lot more powerful than the other. I thought the tug master was going to be thrown overboard.” QM Thomas DuLaney (11/01-10/03)

“I was one of the QMs on watch, I was actually writing the deck logs. QM1 Wyman told me to log everything said …. so needless to say, those deck logs show a colorful list of words from CDR Cedrun. He was about to throw that pilot over the bridge wing!” QM3 Daniel Robinson (7/00-8/03)

“I got sent to the area where the ship hit to see if anybody got hurt.” HM3 Michael Zigelhofer (1/01-10/03)

A second attempt was made the next day using the same Pilot and tugs, but because of the rough seas, the attempt was called off and the ship returned to using their small boats.

In addition to supporting the GOPLAT mission, USS Anchorage’s crew conducted a “Desert Tortoise” run for all the ships in ATF-West. This tasking involved loading-up with over 100,000 lbs. of mail, 232 pallets of cargo, and 71 Sailors in Bahrain, and then delivering this cargo and transferring the Sailors to amphibious ships patrolling the Northern Arabian Gulf. As part of the US Fifth Fleet Strike Force, USS Anchorage earned a Navy Unit Commendation for the period March 4-May 1.

In early May, USS Anchorage returned to waters off Kuwait Naval Base to backload 198 Marines attached to 1st Battalion, RECON, and Engineers Battalion who were returning from Iraq. On its return journey, en route to Hawaii, the crew successfully rescued five Filipino fishermen on June 9th. The fishermen had been stranded at sea for 25 days, 313 miles off the Philippine coast since May 15th.

"Among the fisherman, was a young kid. Myself, and the chief did a medical examination on him. After the examination, we took him to the mess decks. I remember that he ate three helpings of dinner that evening. The poor kid was hungry." HM Michael Zigelhofer (1/01-10/03)

“One guy died of a heart attack and two others took their chances and swam away to an island a few days before we came by. We tried to repair the engine with no luck, so we were directed to ballast down and bring it in. We bent the shaft when we de-ballasted and grounded the boat in the well deck. We dropped the survivors off, via helicopter, in Guam. Between us and USS Comstock (LSD 45), we raised 5k and gave it to the fishermen prior to their departure. After we dropped them off, we cut it into pieces, 36" or less and tossed them out the hole in the stern gate. We used circular saws from the repair lockers and a Sawzall, a few axes and no one got hurt. When it came to the motor, the crew came together and moved it to the stern gate, they dipped it and it fell right off." DCC David Kessler (3/02-10/03)

On July 3, USS Anchorage returned from her final deployment to San Diego after six-months supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She had returned ahead of the rest of ATF-West to facilitate her decommissioning.