USS Trenton (LPD-14)

• Commissioned in 1971: USS Trenton (LPD-14), an Austin-class amphibious transport dock, was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on 6 March 1971. • Named After the Revolutionary War Battle: The ship was named after the Battle of Trenton, a pivotal American victory during the Revolutionary War in 1776. • Vietnam War Service: Although commissioned towards the end of the Vietnam War, USS Trenton participated in operations related to the conflict, supporting troop movements and logistics. • Rescue of Vietnamese Refugees: In 1981, Trenton rescued over 400 Vietnamese boat people (refugees) stranded in the South China Sea, showcasing humanitarian capabilities. • Lebanon Peacekeeping Mission: During the early 1980s, USS Trenton was deployed off the coast of Lebanon, supporting the Multinational Force in Beirut during that country’s civil war. • Grenada Invasion (Operation Urgent Fury): The ship participated in the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada, transporting Marines and supporting amphibious landings. • Gulf War Service: USS Trenton was active during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991), supporting coalition forces in the Persian Gulf. • Modernization: In the 1990s, the ship underwent significant upgrades to communications, defensive systems, and habitability, extending her operational life. • Decommissioning and Transfer to India: USS Trenton was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy on 17 January 2007 and was sold to the Indian Navy, becoming INS Jalashwa. • Legacy Continues: As INS Jalashwa, the former USS Trenton remains in active service with the Indian Navy, playing a key role in amphibious operations and disaster relief missions.