USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43)

• Named After a Historic Fort: USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43) is named after Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, famous for its defense during the War of 1812, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." • Commissioned in 1987: The ship was commissioned on August 8, 1987, and became the fifth ship in the Whidbey Island-class of dock landing ships. • Humanitarian Missions: Fort McHenry participated in numerous humanitarian missions, including Operation Sea Angel in Bangladesh (1991) following a devastating cyclone, providing disaster relief and saving countless lives. • Operation Desert Storm: The ship was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, playing a critical role in amphibious operations by transporting Marines and their equipment. • Anti-Piracy Operations: In 2009, USS Fort McHenry was deployed off the coast of Somalia as part of anti-piracy operations, helping to secure vital shipping lanes. • Support During 9/11: After the September 11, 2001 attacks, the ship was rapidly deployed to support Operation Enduring Freedom, demonstrating the Navy’s global reach and readiness. • Joint Operations: Fort McHenry often participated in joint exercises with allied navies, enhancing interoperability, including exercises with NATO and Middle Eastern partners. • Flight Deck Capability: The ship is equipped with a large flight deck, capable of handling helicopters like the CH-46 Sea Knight and MV-22 Osprey, increasing its versatility in amphibious operations. • Decommissioning: USS Fort McHenry was officially decommissioned on March 27, 2021, after over 33 years of distinguished service. • Crew Traditions: The ship’s motto, "The Fort," fostered a unique crew identity and esprit de corps, with reunions and strong ties among former crew members even after decommissioning.