USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) Homepage Photos Members

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)?

Do you have USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41).

Branch

U.S. Navy

Members

About USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) is the lead ship of her class of dock landing ships in the United States Navy, commissioned on February 9, 1985. Designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles with embarked Marines, she has played a key role in numerous military operations, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and humanitarian missions such as disaster relief in Haiti. Over her decades of active service, Whidbey Island participated in exercises and deployments throughout the Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern regions, supporting joint and coalition forces. Renowned for her versatility and reliability, she represents a vital component of the Navy’s amphibious assault capabilities.

Unit Members

Willie Scott

U.S. Navy

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)View Profile

Leon Smith

U.S. Navy

USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)View Profile

Photos

OLD FRIENDS TOGETHER AGAIN-JOHN-GARRY-DON

U.S. Navy • 1964

GARRY MULICK - DON LABORDE - JOHN BAYLESS

U.S. Navy • 1964

USMC

U.S. Marine Corps • 1956

About USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41)

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• First-in-Class: USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) is the lead ship of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships, commissioned on 9 February 1985. • Namesake: The ship is named after Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, Washington, which itself was named for explorer Joseph Whidbey, a member of George Vancouver’s expedition. • Designed for LCACs: LSD-41 was the first US Navy ship designed specifically to operate Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles, increasing amphibious assault capabilities. • Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, USS Whidbey Island participated in Operation Desert Storm, supporting combat operations in the Persian Gulf. • Evacuation Missions: The ship took part in the evacuation of US citizens from Liberia during Operation Sharp Edge in 1990. • Humanitarian Assistance: Whidbey Island provided relief to Haiti and Cuba in the 1990s, including support during the 1994 Cuban migrant crisis. • Counter-Piracy Operations: The ship was deployed for anti-piracy missions off the coast of Somalia in the early 2000s. • Technological Upgrades: Throughout her service, USS Whidbey Island received multiple upgrades, including improved command and control systems and enhanced defensive armament. • Joint and International Exercises: The ship participated in numerous multinational exercises, such as BALTOPS and African Lion, enhancing interoperability with allied navies. • Decommissioning: After nearly four decades of service, USS Whidbey Island was decommissioned on 18 April 2022, concluding a distinguished naval career.