About this Unit
USS Eldorado (AGC-11) was an amphibious force command ship commissioned by the United States Navy in August 1944. Designed as a floating command center, she played a pivotal role in the Pacific Theater during World War II, serving as the flagship for several major operations, including the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the war, Eldorado participated in the occupation of Japan, and later saw service during the Korean War, supporting United Nations operations. The ship was decommissioned in 1972, having earned multiple battle stars for her distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Amphibious Flagship: USS Eldorado (AGC-11) was an amphibious force command ship, designed to serve as a floating command post with advanced communications for amphibious operations during World War II.
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Commissioned in 1944: Eldorado was launched on 26 September 1943 and commissioned on 25 August 1944, just in time to participate in major Pacific campaigns.
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Iwo Jima Command Ship: The ship served as the flagship for Vice Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner during the Iwo Jima invasion, hosting General Holland M. Smith and providing command and control for the operation.
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Witness to Iconic Flag Raising: Marines who raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima were directed by signals from Eldorado; the famous flag-raising photograph was taken during this operation.
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Okinawa Operations: Eldorado was again the flagship for Admiral Turner during the Okinawa campaign, one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater.
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High-Profile Visitors: The ship hosted numerous distinguished guests, including Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal and war correspondents like Ernie Pyle.
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Post-War Service: Eldorado continued to serve after WWII, participating in Operation Crossroads—the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946.
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Korean War Role: The ship was recommissioned for the Korean War and served as a flagship for amphibious forces, supporting the Inchon landings and other key operations.
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Vietnam War Service: Eldorado saw action during the Vietnam War as a command ship, again supporting amphibious landings and operations along the Vietnamese coast.
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Award-Winning Record: Over her career, Eldorado earned numerous campaign and service medals, including battle stars for World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War service.
