USS PORTLAND (LSD-37)

• Commissioned Service: USS PORTLAND (LSD-37) was commissioned on 3 October 1970, serving as the ninth dock landing ship of the Anchorage class in the U.S. Navy. • Namesake: The ship was named after the city of Portland, Oregon, and was the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name “Portland.” • Vietnam War Service: Soon after commissioning, PORTLAND was deployed to the Western Pacific, participating in the final stages of the Vietnam War, providing amphibious support operations. • Lebanon Peacekeeping: In 1983, PORTLAND was part of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force off the coast of Beirut during the Lebanese Civil War, supporting U.S. Marines ashore. • Operation Urgent Fury: The ship played a vital role in the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada, supporting the landing and logistical operations. • Space Shuttle Recovery: In 1984, USS PORTLAND was designated as a backup recovery vessel for the Space Shuttle program, prepared to assist in astronaut retrieval if necessary. • Gulf War Deployment: PORTLAND was deployed to the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing amphibious readiness and support for coalition forces. • Cuban Migrant Operations: In 1994, the ship was involved in Operation Able Manner and Operation Able Vigil, helping to rescue and process Cuban migrants in the Caribbean. • Decommissioning: USS PORTLAND was decommissioned on 4 March 2003 after more than 32 years of service and was later struck from the Naval Vessel Register. • Awarded Honors: Over her career, the ship received numerous awards, including the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and multiple campaign medals, recognizing her distinguished service in various operations.