Fort Fisher (LSD 40) - Naval Cruise Book

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FORT FISHER'S MISSION FORT FISHER's mission is to carry preloaded heavy landing craft, equipment and troops to an objective area in conjunction with an amphibious assault; to positively control waterborne craft while they are assaulting the beach and provide extensive repairs to craft should the need arise. The versatility of the ship makes it possible to accomplish this mis- sion in a variety of ways. The primary feature of the ship is the well deck which extends from the stern forward; approximately three-quarters of the length of the ship. Large quantities of cargo and vehicles can be brought in to the well, by landing crafts or by the ships cranes. The well deck can be flooded to launch and recover boats and craft through the stern gate. A ramp system leading up from the well deck goes to the other storage area decks where vehicles such as jeeps, trucks, tanks, and equipment trailers can be stored. FORT FISHER has a flight deck to facilitate on and off loading by helicopter. The ship is capable of handling the largest type of helicopter in use today. The flight deck can also carry cargo and vehicles should the situation require such loading. FORT FISHER has three 3 twin gun mounts which can engage surface targets or be used in limited shore bombardment role. Command and control of amphibious operation is conducted from FORT FlSHER's flying bridge, located above the pilot house and the Combat Information Center located behind the bridge. Boat waves are controlled and directed to the assault beach according to precise time tables. As a result of the last overhaul, the ship was modified to land and transport LCAC tLanding Craft, Air Cushionl. LCAC is a boat that rides on an air-filled, rubber skirted devise that enables the boat to obtain and exceed speeds in excess of 30 knots. LCAC provides over the horizon capability, increased access to the world's beaches, quicker delivery or retraction and the ability to deliver USMC material and personnel in-land, over various types of terrain. The ship can berth and feed 320 marine combat troops in addition to the normal 325 man crew. Facilities include a ship's store, a laundromat, barber shop, video games, library, closed circuit TV studio and dining facilities which are also used for showing movies in the evening. Two 50-ton cranes located on the port and starboard sides enable FORT FISHER to transfer items on, off and about the ship. Located near the cranes are FORT FISHER's own four boats. The LCM-6 and the LCVP landing craft are capable of car- rying troops and cargo. There are also two LCPL's which are used for a variety of tasks such as lifeboat, ship-to-ship transportation and boat group commander's boat.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR JAMES P. MARSH JR. Lieutenant Commander James P. Marsh Jr. was born March 25, 1953 in New London, Connecticut. Raised in the Northwest, he was commissioned through Oregon State University in June of 1975. Lieutenant Commander Marsh reported to his first command, USS SOMERS 1DDG 341 as the Damage Control Assistant. From there he served at the California Maritime Academy as the Assistant Officer in Charge and as an instructor. After additional training, Lieutenant Commander Marsh transferred to USS FANNINC 1FF 10761 as Engineering Officer in 1982, followed by a tour aboard USS DUBUQUE 1LPD 81 as Operations Officer. In 1987 he received an Operations Analysis Masters Degree from the Naval Post Graduate School. Lieutenant Commander Marsh's personal awards include three Sea Service Deployment Awards as well as'the Expert qualifications in both Rifle and Pistol.

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SHIPCS HISTORY he The history of USS FORT FISHER actually begins in the early 1860's. The ship was named for the Confederate stronghold Fortnyisheyr Carolina, which stood at the mo th of the Cape Fear FOR: FIS '