About this Unit
USS Cleveland (LPD-7) was an Austin-class amphibious transport dock commissioned into the United States Navy on April 21, 1967. Throughout her service, she participated in key operations, including troop and equipment transport during the Vietnam War and humanitarian missions such as Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon in 1975. USS Cleveland also took part in numerous training exercises, joint operations, and disaster relief efforts across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. After over four decades of distinguished service, she was decommissioned on September 30, 2011.
Historical Facts
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Fourth Ship Named Cleveland: USS Cleveland (LPD-7) was the fourth U.S. Navy ship named after the city of Cleveland, Ohio, honoring the city's contributions to the nation.
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Commissioned in 1967: USS Cleveland was commissioned on 21 April 1967, at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, becoming part of the Austin-class amphibious transport docks.
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Vietnam War Deployment: Shortly after commissioning, Cleveland participated in the Vietnam War, supporting amphibious operations and troop movements along the Vietnamese coast.
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Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, Cleveland took part in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, rescuing American and South Vietnamese personnel as North Vietnamese forces advanced.
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Disaster Relief Missions: USS Cleveland was involved in numerous humanitarian missions, including relief efforts after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991.
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Homeport in San Diego: For much of her service life, Cleveland was homeported in San Diego, California, serving as a vital asset for Pacific Fleet operations.
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Hollywood Cameo: The ship appeared in several TV shows and films, including the popular series JAG and the 1996 movie Executive Decision.
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Longest-serving LPD: By the time of her decommissioning, Cleveland was the longest-serving amphibious transport dock in U.S. Navy history, with 44 years of active service.
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Participation in RIMPAC Exercises: The ship took part in multiple Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, strengthening international maritime cooperation and amphibious warfare capabilities.
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Decommissioned in 2011: USS Cleveland was decommissioned on 30 September 2011, concluding a distinguished career marked by combat, humanitarian missions, and international cooperation.
