Free Republic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Austin (LPD 4) was decommissioned Sept. 27, during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, ending more than 41 years of naval service. “We are one of the oldest, best ships in the fleet and its time to turn over the watch,” said Cmdr. Kevin Flanagan, Austin’s commanding officer. Commissioned Feb. 6, 1965, Austin was the first LPD class ship built, and the lead ship in its class. The ship was involved in the nation’s space program as the recovery ship for Apollo 12, and part of the recovery for Apollo 14...

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Family and friends greeted the arrival of the Navy’s newest ship, the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17), as it arrived to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 25. San Antonio was commissioned Jan. 14 at Naval Station Ingleside, Texas, and will be permanently homeported in Norfolk. “After a magnificent commissioning in Ingleside (Texas), it will feel good for the Sailors on San Antonio to get home,” said San Antonio’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Bradley Lee. The San Antonio-class will functionally replace more than 41 ships (LPD 4, LSD 36, LKA 113, and LST...

BILOXI, Miss. (NNS) -- Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2 took command of a devastated Biloxi landing craft zone Sept. 4 so U.S. and international Navy ships operating in the Gulf Coast region could bring Sailors, Marines and supplies to the beach in support of the hurricane disaster relief efforts. The beach was littered with heavy debris from the Hurricane Katrina, and had to be transformed into a spotless beach in order to support Landing Craft, Air Cushion arrivals. "This is just what we do," said Beach Party Commander, Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Dawn Martin. "The bottom line is, we do...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. ...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel...

Lord, Keep our Troops forever in Your care Give them victory over the enemy... Grant them a safe and swift return... Bless those who mourn the lost. . FReepers from the Foxhole join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time. God Bless America...................................................................................... ........................................... U.S. Military History, Current Events and Veterans Issues Where Duty, Honor and Countryare acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated. Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members...