USS Plymouth Rock LSD-29

• Commissioned in 1954: USS Plymouth Rock (LSD-29) was commissioned on November 29, 1954, serving as a Thomaston-class dock landing ship for the United States Navy. • Named After a Landmark: The ship was named after the historic Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts, symbolizing the landing of the Pilgrims in 1620. • Versatile Amphibious Operations: Designed to transport and launch landing craft, vehicles, and troops, the ship played a significant role in amphibious operations and exercises during the Cold War era. • Cuban Missile Crisis Service: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, USS Plymouth Rock was deployed as part of the naval quarantine, ready to support amphibious landings if necessary. • Project Mercury Recovery: The ship participated as a recovery vessel for NASA's Project Mercury space program, helping retrieve astronauts and space capsules from the ocean. • Humanitarian Missions: Plymouth Rock took part in several humanitarian efforts, including providing aid and evacuation support during natural disasters in the Caribbean and Central America. • Vietnam War Support: While not directly involved in combat, the ship supported logistics, training, and transport missions related to the Vietnam War, demonstrating its global reach. • Reserve Training Platform: Later in her career, the ship was used extensively for Naval Reserve training cruises, helping prepare thousands of reservists for active duty. • Decommissioned in 1970: USS Plymouth Rock was decommissioned on September 30, 1970, after 16 years of active service, and eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1977. • Legacy Preserved: Artifacts and memorabilia from the ship are displayed in several museums, and former crew members maintain an active association to preserve the ship’s legacy and share their stories.