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History of USS Raleigh (LPD-1)

USS Raleigh (LPD-1) was the lead ship of the Raleigh-class amphibious transport docks, commissioned into the United States Navy on 8 September 1962. Designed to support amphibious assault operations, Raleigh participated in several major exercises and deployments, including operations during the Vietnam War, where she transported Marines and equipment ashore. Throughout her service, she was involved in numerous training missions, humanitarian efforts, and multinational exercises, showcasing her versatility in both combat and non-combat scenarios. After over two decades of service, USS Raleigh was decommissioned on 13 December 1991.

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ABOUT USS Raleigh (LPD-1)

  • First of Her Class: USS Raleigh (LPD-1) was the lead ship of the Raleigh class of amphibious transport docks, representing a new generation of amphibious warfare vessels for the U.S. Navy.
  • Commissioned in the 1960s: Raleigh was commissioned on September 8, 1962, at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, marking the beginning of over 30 years of service.
  • Vietnam War Service: She saw active duty during the Vietnam War, transporting Marines and equipment, and conducting amphibious landings in support of U.S. military operations.
  • Operation Steel Pike I: In 1964, USS Raleigh participated in Operation Steel Pike I, the largest amphibious exercise ever conducted at the time, off the coast of Spain.
  • Humanitarian Missions: Raleigh was involved in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in Haiti after Hurricane Cleo in 1964.
  • Space Program Support: The ship served as a secondary recovery vessel for the Apollo space missions, ready to assist in the recovery of astronauts returning from space.
  • Modernization: Raleigh underwent significant upgrades in the 1970s to improve her amphibious warfare capabilities and crew accommodations.
  • Lebanon Deployment: In 1982-1983, Raleigh supported U.S. peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, landing Marines as part of the multinational force in Beirut.
  • Cold War Operations: Throughout the Cold War, she participated in numerous NATO exercises and Mediterranean deployments, strengthening alliances and U.S. presence overseas.
  • Decommissioning and Fate: After more than 30 years of service, USS Raleigh was decommissioned on December 13, 1991, and eventually sunk as a target during a naval exercise in 1994.

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