CHRISTOPHER NEELY

USS Boulder (LST-1190) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy on 4 June 1971. Designed to support amphibious operations, she featured a unique bow ramp for rapid vehicle and cargo deployment. Throughout her service, Boulder participated in numerous training exercises, deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and supported NATO operations during the Cold War. The ship was decommissioned on 28 February 1994, marking over two decades of service before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register.

USS Ashland (LSD-48) is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1992. Named after the historic estate of Henry Clay, the ship has played a vital role in amphibious operations, transporting Marines, vehicles, and landing craft around the globe. Notably, USS Ashland participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing critical support for expeditionary missions. Over its service life, the ship has also been involved in humanitarian assistance and anti-piracy operations, reflecting its versatility and commitment to global maritime security.