USS Spiegel Grove LSD-32

• Namesake: USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32) was named after the Ohio estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes. The estate itself was named for the mirror-like pools on the property. • Launched in 1955: The ship was launched on November 10, 1955, at the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation in Pascagoula, Mississippi. • Commissioned for Amphibious Operations: Designed as a dock landing ship, Spiegel Grove was used extensively to transport and launch landing craft, vehicles, and troops during amphibious assaults. • Cuban Missile Crisis: Spiegel Grove played a role in the U.S. naval blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, helping to enforce quarantine operations. • Service in the Vietnam War: The ship supported U.S. operations in the Vietnam War by transporting Marines, equipment, and landing craft to the conflict zone. • Multinational Exercises: Throughout her service, Spiegel Grove participated in joint operations and exercises with NATO and allied navies, enhancing interoperability. • Decommissioning: After nearly 34 years of service, the Spiegel Grove was decommissioned on October 2, 1989. • Artificial Reef: In 2002, the ship was intentionally sunk off the coast of Key Largo, Florida, to serve as an artificial reef, becoming a popular site for divers. • Dramatic Sinking: During the sinking operation, the ship unexpectedly rolled over and sank upside down. Eventually, it was righted and settled on its starboard side, making it accessible for diving. • Ongoing Legacy: Today, the USS Spiegel Grove is one of the largest artificial reefs in the world and continues to attract marine life and divers, preserving its legacy long after its naval service ended.