USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44)

• Commissioning Date: USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) was commissioned on 22 April 1989, as the second ship in the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships. • Namesake: The ship is named after Gunston Hall, the historic Virginia estate of George Mason, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. • Humanitarian Missions: USS Gunston Hall has participated in numerous humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, including disaster response after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. • Iraq War Support: The ship supported Operation Iraqi Freedom by transporting Marines and equipment to the Persian Gulf and participating in amphibious operations. • Operation Continuing Promise: In 2008 and 2009, Gunston Hall took part in Operation Continuing Promise, delivering medical, dental, and engineering aid to Central and South America. • Anti-Piracy Operations: The ship has conducted anti-piracy patrols and exercises off the coast of Africa and in the Mediterranean, helping to secure vital sea lanes. • Exercise Bold Alligator: Gunston Hall participated in Bold Alligator, the largest amphibious exercise on the East Coast since the end of the Cold War, in 2012. • Homeport: The ship is homeported at Naval Station Little Creek in Virginia Beach, Virginia, a major hub for amphibious warfare. • Unique Capabilities: As a dock landing ship, Gunston Hall can launch and recover LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) hovercraft, supporting rapid deployment of Marines and armored vehicles. • International Cooperation: Gunston Hall has participated in joint exercises with allied navies, including BALTOPS in the Baltic Sea, strengthening international maritime partnerships.