Namesake:

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Congress established Mesa Verde, meaning "green table" in Spanish, as the first cultural park in the National Park System in 1906 to preserve the notable cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan culture. The park received greater recognition in 1978 when it was designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by the United Nations. Occupying part of a large sandstone plateau rising above the Montezuma and Mancos valleys, Mesa Verde National Park is 81 square miles, consisting of 52,122 acres and rising more than 8,500 feet above sea level. Mesa Verde National Park serves as a spectacular reminder of the 13 centuries-old Ancestral Puebloan culture by preserving hundreds of dwellings and artifacts.

"Mesa Verde is a jewel of our National Park system that celebrates the extraordinary beauty and diversity of that region and our nation," said Secretary Danzig. "The real richness of Mesa Verde and that of our country's naval service, however, lies in the people -- the remarkable legacy of their past and a future with great promise. The naming of the USS Mesa Verde establishes a strong and fundamental link between this nation and those who serve and truly value that bond."

Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt expressed his support. "Congratulations to Secretary Danzig and the Department of the Navy. “The Department of Interior is especially appreciative that the Navy named the third amphibious transport dock ship after Mesa Verde," said Babbitt. "Naturally, we find the name choice excellent because it honors early American culture as well as the first national park created to preserve cultural history. It seems somehow fitting to name a state-of-the-art ship with a name connoting timeless cultural values in Colorado."

The archeological sites found in Mesa Verde are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. Mesa Verde National Park offers visitors a spectacular look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Scientists study the ancient dwellings of Mesa Verde, in part, by making comparisons between the Ancestral Pueblo people and their contemporary indigenous descendants who still live in the Southwest today. Twenty-four Native American tribes in the southwest have an ancestral affiliation with the sites at Mesa Verde.

Historical Notes:

Ship's Crest:

Supporters:  A Naval officer’s sword and Marine Corps Mameluke points down saltirewise Proper symbolize teamwork and cooperation between the Navy and Marine Corps.

The Shield: Mesa Verde’s status as a World Cultural Heritage Site and National Park is recalled by the shape of the shield and the representation of the Cliff Palace dwellings. The yucca, an indigenous plant and staple as valuable raw material to early Indian settlers refers again to the region which gives LPD 19 its name and denotes hardiness and survival. The compass rose symbolizes worldwide capabilities and expertise. Gold signifies achievement and excellence.

The Crest: The green plateau represents the Mesa Verde region which gives the ship it’s name. The bald eagle symbolizes the United States; the juniper is native to the Mesa Verde region and the sprig held by the eagle bears twenty-four berries representing the twenty-four modern tribes which trace their ancestry to the region. The trident denotes authority and mastery at sea.

Motto: Courage Teamwork Tradition

PHOTOS