Ogden II LPD-5

Ogden II
(LPD-5: sp. 13,900 (f.); 1. 522'; b. 84'; dr. 21'6" (max); s. over 20 k.; cpl. 439; tr. 930 a 4 3"; cl. Raleigh)

The second Ogden (LPD-5) was laid down 4 February 1963 by New York Naval Shipyard; launched 27 June 1964; sponsored by Mrs. Lawrenee J. Burton; and commissioned at New York 19 June 1965, Captain Floyd M. Symons in command.

Ogden, an amphibious transport dock, is an all-purpose amphibious warship, combining the functions of the attack transport and the attack cargo ship. She carries assault troops and their heavy equipment, and puts them ashore with her own helicopters and landing craft. Her versatile capabilities are vital to the Marines' new technique of vertical envelopment.

After training off Norfolk, Ogden arrived in San Diego 29 October 1965 to join the Pacific Fleet and complete her initial training. In her first year of service she deployed twice to South Vietnam (8 February through 4 April 1966 and 16 May through 7 July 1966), bringing Marines and their equipment to support the Allied battle against Communist aggression. On her return passages, she brought damaged vehicles home for repair. During the summer of 1966, she conducted experiments with aircraft capable of vertical or short landing and take-off. At the close of the year, she prepared for a third deployment in South Vietnam.