Mission:
United States Ship GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44) is the fourth ship of the
Whidbey Island class and the second ship of which to serve in the
Atlantic Fleet, Virginia. GUNSTON HALL's mission is to transport United
States Marines with their combat equipment to designated areas around
the world, and then to launch and support assault landing craft and
helicopters during amphibious operations against hostile shores.
GUNSTON HALL carries the new Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC). The LCAC
is an assault hovercraft with the ability to exceed 40 knots while
carrying a 60 ton payload. Using this new craft, GUNSTON HALL forces
will be able to carry out an amphibious assault against a wilder range
of beaches.
GUNSTON HALL accomplishes her mission through the use of
a well deck which is flooded to embark and launch assault craft.
Potomac After leaving the ship, the assault craft are directed toward
the shore by the ship's Combat Information Center.
To provide continuing support to the assault force,
GUNSTON HALL is equipped with the Navy's latest advanced technology
including updated communication and combat systems, 20 and 60 ton
cranes, expanded repair facilities, two helicopter landing areas,
complete medical and dental facilities, and an automated computer-based
supply system.
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Ship's Crest:
Seal:The
coat of arms emblazoned upon a white oval enclosed by a blue collar
edged on the outside with gold rope and inscribed with the words USS
GUNSTON HALL above and LSD 44 below in gold letters.
The Shield: The colors of the shield
are taken
from the coat of arms of George Mason, Revolutionary owner of Gunston
Hall. The red cross, from the flag of England, reflects his country of
origin and source of the name Gunston. The border of nine stars
represents the nine battle stars earned for World War II and the nine
battle stars earned in the Korean War. The red cross also refers to
Operation "Crossroads", the 1946 series of atomic bomb tests in which
USS GUNSTON HALL participated at Bikini Atoll. White, symbolizing high
ideals and virtue, exemplifies the part the Gunston Hall played in the
U.S. Navy's humanitarian efforts in 1955 to evacuate almost 800,000
refugees from North to South Vietnam, Operation "Passage to Freedom".
The Crest: The sea lion,
taken
from the device
of the first USS GUNSTON HALL, represents her and recalls her long and
distinguished service. The torteau refers to the World War II Pacific
actions against Japan and the threat of Kamikaze attacks. The tower
refers to Gunston Hall estate and the security provided by the modem
Dock Landing Ship. The red fleur-de-lis is adapted from George Mason's
coat of arms. The grassy knoll stands for the land of Virginia and is a
canting reference to the function of the Gunston Hall, i.e., it is an
allusion to the "landing" ship.
Motto:
DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION is
referred to
by the parchment in the sea lion's grasp, recalling also the Bill of
Rights which was based on Virginia's Declaration of Rights, authored by
George Mason.
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