USS Eldorado (AGC-11)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Okinawa Operations: Eldorado was again the flagship for Admiral Turner during the Okinawa campaign, one of the largest amphibious assaults in the Pacific Theater. • High-Profile Visitors: The ship hosted numerous distinguished guests, including Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal and war correspondents like Ernie Pyle. • Post-War Service: Eldorado continued to serve after WWII, participating in Operation Crossroads—the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll in 1946. • 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. • Vietnam War Service: Eldorado saw action during the Vietnam War as a command ship, again supporting amphibious landings and operations along the Vietnamese coast. • 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.