SITE NAVIGATION

SHIP SPECIFIC INFORMATION

TYPE	DOCK LANDING SHIPS (LSD)
CLASS	WHIDBEY ISLAND
OFFICIAL NAME	USS GUNSTON HALL
PENNANT NUMBER	44
NICKNAME	N/A
MOTTO	DEFENDING THE CONSTITUTION
BUILDER	AVONDALE INDUSTRIES
CONTRACT AWARD DATE	11/21/1983
KEEL LAYING DATE	05/26/1986
LAUNCH DATE	06/27/1987
DELIVERY DATE	02/24/1989
COMMISSION DATE	04/22/1989
PLANNING YARD	PUGET SOUND DETACHMENT BREMERTON, WA
NAVSEA PMS	470
CUSTODIAN	US NAVY
STATUS	ACTIVE DUTY
HOMEPORT	NORFOLK, VA (LITTLE CREEK)
MAILING ADDRESS	FPO, AE, 09573-1732
UIC (UNIT IDENT. CODE)	21422
TYPE COMMANDER	SURFLANT
FLEET COMMAND	N/A
GROUP COMMAND	N/A
SQUADRON COMMAND	PHIBRON 8

DOCK LANDING SHIPS

.............................................

LSD 44 | USS GUNSTON HALL

Namesake:

Not yet available

Not yet available

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.

Historical Notes:

Not yet available

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.