USS Hermitage (LSD-34)

USS Hermitage (LSD-34) Homepage Photos Members

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Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Hermitage (LSD-34)

USS Hermitage (LSD-34) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1956. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles, Hermitage played a vital role in numerous amphibious operations and training exercises during the Cold War. The ship supported U.S. military operations in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Atlantic, and participated in contingency operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis response. After nearly three decades of service, USS Hermitage was decommissioned in 1989 and later transferred to the Brazilian Navy, where she served as Ceará (C-30).

Unit Members

Johnny Banks

U.S. Navy (1984-1986)

USS Hermitage (LSD-34)View Profile

Lee Brauer

U.S. Navy

USS Hermitage (LSD-34)View Profile

Photos

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

FR Jose Ferrera III

U.S. Navy • 1981

About USS Hermitage (LSD-34)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Namesake: USS Hermitage (LSD-34) was named after The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson near Nashville, Tennessee. • Class and Type: She was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship, part of a class designed to support amphibious operations by carrying landing craft and vehicles. • Commissioning: The ship was launched on December 19, 1955, and commissioned into the United States Navy on August 14, 1956. • Vietnam War Service: USS Hermitage served extensively in the Vietnam War, participating in multiple amphibious operations, including troop and equipment landings. • Mercy Mission: In 1975, Hermitage played a vital role during Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, helping to rescue Vietnamese refugees and U.S. personnel. • Multinational Exercises: The ship regularly participated in joint exercises with allies such as NATO and SEATO partners, strengthening international military cooperation. • Humanitarian Assistance: Hermitage was involved in humanitarian missions, including providing disaster relief and assistance after natural calamities in the Pacific region. • Homeport and Deployments: Throughout her career, Hermitage was homeported at various locations, including Norfolk, Virginia, and made frequent deployments to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. • Decommissioning and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned from U.S. Navy service on October 2, 1989, and transferred to Brazil, where she served as Ceará (C-30) until 2012. • Legacy and Honors: USS Hermitage earned multiple campaign and service medals for her distinguished service, and her legacy continues through her service with the Brazilian Navy.