CCA USS Ponce, Norfolk, Va.

CCA USS Ponce, based in Norfolk, Va., refers to the Command and Control Ashore (CCA) capability established aboard USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15). Originally commissioned as an amphibious transport dock (LPD-15) in 1971, USS Ponce was later converted into an interim Afloat Forward Staging Base in 2012 to support U.S. Navy and coalition operations. While stationed at Norfolk, Va., Ponce served as a platform for command and control, littoral operations, and special missions, including mine countermeasures and support for special operations forces. The ship gained distinction as the first U.S. Navy vessel to deploy a Laser Weapon System (LaWS) operationally in 2014. USS Ponce was decommissioned in 2017 after a distinguished career supporting both amphibious and innovative naval missions.