USS ANCHORAGE (LSD-36)

• Commissioning and Class: USS Anchorage (LSD-36) was commissioned on March 15, 1972, as the lead ship of the Anchorage-class dock landing ships, designed to support amphibious operations by carrying landing craft, vehicles, and troops. • Vietnam War Service: Although commissioned toward the end of the Vietnam War, Anchorage participated in various support and evacuation operations during the conflict, including Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. • Operation Eagle Pull: In April 1975, Anchorage assisted in Operation Eagle Pull, the evacuation of U.S. personnel and at-risk Cambodians from Phnom Penh, Cambodia. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in rescuing Vietnamese refugees (commonly known as "boat people") fleeing after the fall of South Vietnam, saving hundreds of lives during her deployments. • Desert Storm Support: Anchorage participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing amphibious ready group support and logistical services during the liberation of Kuwait. • Technological Features: The ship was equipped with a well deck for launching and recovering landing craft and amphibious vehicles, as well as a helicopter landing platform, enabling versatile amphibious operations. • Pacific Deployments: Anchorage frequently deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, supporting U.S. interests and participating in joint exercises with allied navies. • Decommissioning: After nearly 34 years of service, USS Anchorage was decommissioned on October 1, 2003, at San Diego, California, marking the end of her distinguished career. • Namesake Tradition: The ship was named after Anchorage, Alaska, continuing the tradition of naming dock landing ships after U.S. cities with maritime significance. • Final Fate: After decommissioning, USS Anchorage was used as a target ship and sunk during a fleet training exercise (RIMPAC) in July 2010, contributing to naval training and reef habitat formation.