Fort Fisher (LSD 40) - Naval Cruise Book

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CWLYSQ 'lfiolQ.7'gf-ff lit? 'N OP DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY QW VL ,A uss FORT FISHER QLSD-401 fri. ,f fgiipi V ix N 'X 44 fx - -. -av 1 .1 'Z' gg Emo A .ul sgls gn Q 'n Ii H X , S' A A Ji g Aff - - - Q' 64? QQ leo PHS, r of FPO SAN FRANCISCO, CA 96665 it-1 if 6 March 1981+ Gents, This book, I hope, will bring back fond memories of what was the finest deployment I have ever experienced. In every respect Cports, operations and readiness? this was a 4.0 cruise that was only made possible by an outstanding crew which included the embarked Marines, Marine Service Support Group 31. The fact that all operations were conducted professionally, safely and in a timely manner is a matter of record. This stellar accomplishment is indicative of a superb group working together as a team, as true shipmates. It is an accomplishment for which you should be justly proud - you are the first tearn.'Y To mention specific accomplishment or highlights in a short letter is dangerous because I am bound to miss too many. A few points, however, will always remain with me concerning the cruise: - The unparralled readiness, starting from the very beginning of the cruise when we had only 30 days notice for a five-month-early deployment. To the entire six month deployment where the ship was on time and completed every commitment in a splendid manner. - The excellent support between the Sailors and the fviarines of FORT FISHER. The MSSG- 3l showed us new heights of professionalism, and full integration into shipboard routine made us one crew, both green and blue. - The outstanding performance in foreign ports when everybody conducted himself as gentlemen and served as true good-will ambassadors to our many friends from foreign lands. - All operations from the exercises in Australia, Korea, Iwo Jima, Subic Bay and Hawaii to therefueling astern from an oiler Ia first for an Amphibious Shipl, were performed with a positive spirit which insured outstanding results. So keep this book as a rememberance: You led the way and you were a part of a 4.0 team. You worked hard to make this happen, therefore you earned this recognition! S S R. C. W LLI 'if III

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SHIPS HISTORY The history of USS FORT FISHER actually begins in the early 1860's. The ship was named for the Confederate strong hold Fort Fisher, North Carolina, which stood at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, guarding the last major Confederate port to be closed by Union Forces. The naming of an amphibious ship after this fort is especially appropriate in that it was the most extensive land-naval battle of the Civil war. The ship which bears the name FORT FISHER was built in General Dynamic Naval Shipyard, Quincy Massachusetts. Her keel was-laid on July 1970, she was christened on 22 April 1972, and commissioned on 9 December 1972. ' USS FORT FISHER left the Boston area on 2 February 1973 and by way of Panama Canal reached her homeport of Long Beach, California. From April to August, she under went extensive training and participated in a Midshipmen cruise to the Far East. On 15 August 1973, FORT FISHER's homeport became San Diego, California. From January to July 1974 the ship made her first extended deployment as a unit of the Amphibious Forces, United States Pacific Fleet. A . V I FORT FISHER was deployed overseas again from October 1975 to May 1976. In October 1976 she entered Todd Shipyard in San Pedro, California for Overhaul. After extensive repairs and maintenance, FORT FISHER prepared for her third extended cruise to the Western Pacific. From September 1977, until April 1978 the ship operated as a unit of the Seventh Fleet, visiting such ports as Singapore, Yokosuka, Japan, Pusan, Republic of Korea, and Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, as well as participating in several amphibious exercises both in the Western and Middle Pacific. In February 1981 she entered Triple A Shipyard at Hunters point in San Francisco, California for overhaul. After completing extensive repairs and maintenance in September 1981 she prepared for her fifth deployment in the Western pacific. From August 1982 to February 1983, FORT FISHER was assigned to Amphibious Forces, Seventh Fleet as a member of the Special Operating Group. USS FORT FISHER's versatility has resulted in a variety of unique assignments. A whale was once transported from San Diego to Long Beach in the well deck for a marine exhibit. In early 1978, she patrolled off South Vietnam to rescue a U.S. Yacht that had been temporarily held by the North Vietnamese. In September -1977, on her way to the Western Pacific, USS FORT FISHER transported heavy construction equipment for rehabilitation of Eniwetok Atoll, which had earlier been the site for atomic bomb testing. A