Fort Marion (LSD 22) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 7 text:

a mi;ssa ;e from oik caitain To ill, ' OFFICERS ami MEN of FORT MARION One of the most enjoyable experiences for a man dedicated to the Navy is to serve in a fine ship kept l a fine crew. FORT MARIOft is that kind of shift. Her record ami the performance of the men who have huili her reputation meet ih high- est standerds of the Navy. This cruise look us to usual torts of call ami also to one or tiro other ports of unusual interest. It icas a continuation of the proud history of our ship. This service has contributed to the preservation of peace in tin- Far East ami Southern Asia ami to the promotion of mutual understanding ami cooperation between the peoples of East ami est. Both COMPHIBRON FIVE ami COMPHIBFORSEVENTH expressed their pleasure in our excellent performance of duty. Our personal experiences also have been rcry rewarding. To our families who have supported us in ttur dedication to the service and notched over our varied interests at home during this deployment we owe a special ileht of gratitude. To each man. each team, each division ami department, and to the ship ' s com- pany as a unit. I take sincere pleasure in extending a It ELL DONE. You have proved that you rati ' the E ' s ami Awards so proudly displayed on the bridge ami on the stacks. Utts u h.L. ANDERS ) Commander USN Commanding Officer

Page 6 text:

OUR SKIPPER COMMANDER K. L. ANDERSON, USN

Page 8 text:

USS FORT MARION LSD-22 USS FORT MARION is an LSD-Landing Ship Dock built from the keel up as an amphibious type ship and originally designed for assault operations in World ar II. The LSD is a unique ship combining the speed, maneuverability and endurance of other ships of her size with the ability to ballast and deballast like a floating drydock. The ballasting operation allows the ship to float landing craft and amphibious vehicles in the large well-deck. Thereby, the Navy ' s largest landing craft can be transported to the objective area and laun ched to proceed directly to the invasion beach. These craft include the LCI ' ( landing craft, utility), LOI (landing craft, mechanized), and LVT (landing vehicle, tracked). The LSD is also used as a boat haven or tender for landing craft and is equipped to repair limited numbers of these craft. She may, after debarking her cargo, serve as a control ship which guides landing craft to the beach by radar and radio. Other duties may include those of a hospital ship or a platform to launch and recover helicopters. The ship ' s storerooms, repair shops and fuel bunkers make it self-sustaining and capable of supporting the operations of amphibious craft and vehicles during extended operations. Her varied capabilities make the LSD the most versatile of naval vessels. USS FORT MARION is named after a famous fortification located at St. Augustine, Florida. which i the oldest defense work standing in the United States having been built bv the Spanish in 1672. FORT MARION was built by Gulf Shipbuilding Corporation in Chickasaw, Alabama with her keel being laid on 9 September 1944. FORT MARION was launched on 22 May 1945 and commissioned on 29 January 1946. FORT MARION is 457 9 . It is powered by two (2) 9000 ILP. steam powered turbines with a maximum speed of I6V2 knots. Besides carrying its own ship ' s compliment of 247 enlisted men and 20 officers, FORT M VRION can also accommodate 175 enlisted men and 16 officer troops. Though commissiond too late for entry in World War II. FORT MARION saw a great deal of action in Korea. She served as flagship for the early phases of the daring Inchon landings and later participated in landings at W onsan, command raids and evacuation duties.