Thank you so much for considering a donation! Just a quick note: If you decide to use PayPal, please try not to select 'Goods or Services'—it helps us keep more of your generous contribution. We truly appreciate your support!
Not comfortable donating online? No problem! Feel free to call us at 619-750-6390 or mail a check to LSD36.COM, P.O. Box 191013, San Diego, CA, 92159-1013.
Why do we do this?
Our time aboard USS Anchorage (LSD 36) forged unbreakable bonds and shaped our lives. In her 34-year history, this incredible ship played a pivotal role in numerous historical events, including the Vietnam War, humanitarian missions, and every major operation in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Her legacy is etched in the 17 ribbons and numerous awards she earned, a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of our crew. Just some of these include two U.S. Navy Unit Commendations, three Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, six Battle 'E' Stars, the Vietnam Service Medal with four campaign stars, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three campaign stars, and a Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation. Please visit 'LSD 36 Ribbons' link above for the entire list of ribbons.
What we do now.
Our focus for fundraising has always been our reunions, which are held every even numbered year.
Besides the funds donated through this FundRazr page, we also work with businesses which have user-friendly fundraising programs. In the past, we have taken advantage of the Panda Express nationwide virtual campaign, which donates 28% of sales, and have found a great local supporter in TapRoom Bar & Grill, which offers 20%. These efforts, combined with our FundRazr page, helped us raise $2,305.40 in 2022 and $2,732.21 in 2024, towards our $5,000.00 goal.
In addition, we actively seek financial donations and in-kind contributions from a lengthy list of businesses. Imagine the impact a corporate sponsor could make by funding our entire reunion, providing food, or offering a giveaway for each attendee!
Our reunions have been a tremendous success thanks to our fundraising. This has allowed us to provide events with free food, cash prizes, and free transportation to/from official hotel and events.
What we would like to do.
We are committed to keeping our fundraising efforts ongoing throughout the year. Your generous contributions will help us achieve our ambitious goals:
- 2026 Reunion: $5,000.00
- Non-Profit Association Fees: $3,500.00
- Ship Monument: $12,000.00-$15,000.0
See below for campaign details.
Your contributions, no matter how large or small, will make a significant difference. Consider doubling your impact by challenging a friend, family member, or your company to match your donation. Together, we can achieve even more. On behalf of the entire crew, “Thank You!” for your support.
Visit our website, LSD36.COM, to learn more. GO NAVY!
Best regards,
Michael P. McGrath
Deck, Second Division - Assault Boat Coxswain
May 1976 to January 1978
P.O. Box 191013
San Diego, California 92159-1013
(619) 750-6390
Campaigns
Highlights
See all activity3About LSD 36
- Keel Laid: March 13, 1967
- Launched: May 5, 1968
- Commissioned: March 15, 1969
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- Length: 562' Beam: 84' Draft: 19'
- Well Deck: 430' x 50'
- Displacement: 15,786 tons full, 9,324 tons light Tonnage: 6,238 tons
- Speed: 20+ knots
- Crew: 369 enlisted and officers
- Landing Force: 337enlisted and officers
- Call Sign: NGRQ
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- Decommissioned: October 1, 2003
- Stricken: March 8, 2004
- Status: Disposed, Target July 17, 2010
The ship's motto, "Sue Generis," translates to "of its own kind" or "in a class by itself," highlighting its uniqueness. USS Anchorage (LSD 36) was the lead ship of its class and the last in class to be decommissioned. The Anchorage class consisted of five ships: USS Anchorage (LSD 36), USS Portland (LSD 37), USS Pensacola (LSD 38), USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39), and USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40).
Over its 34 years of service, USS Anchorage underwent significant modifications to its armament and systems. Its original four 3"/50 caliber gun mounts were removed, and modern defensive systems, such as the MK‐15 CIWS (Close‐In Weapons System), 25mm chain gun, and Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasure (SRBOC), were installed.
The ship's boat complement also underwent changes over time. Initial configuration included one LCM‐8 (Landing Craft, Mechanized), one LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel), and two LCPLs (Landing Craft, Personnel, Large), with one LCPL serving as the Captain's Gig. The introduction of LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion) in 1987, which were temporarily assigned during deployments, rendered the LCM‐8 and LCVP obsolete. The ship had only two MK‐12 LCPLs at its decommissioning in 2003.
A unique feature of the ship was its movable ramps, allowing for efficient transfer of personnel and cargo between the well deck, mezzanine deck, and flight deck. The ship's extensive facilities included machine shops, repair workshops, and two 50‐ton cranes, enabling it to serve as a floating repair facility for smaller vessels, up to harbor tug in size when the flight deck was removed. USS Anchorage could accommodate 337 troops and boasted substantial storage capacity, including 1,400 cubic feet for cargo and ammunition stowage and 8,400 square feet for vehicle storage. Its flight deck could accommodate one helicopter, while the well deck could carry two LCAC. Additional landing craft could be embarked by removing the mezzanine deck.
USS Anchorage was the most decorated ship on San Diego's waterfront when decommissioned in 2003, having 17 medals. Besides the following medals, our ship was also awarded the 'Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy' in 1987 and earned a 'Secretary of the Navy Letter of Commendation' in 1995.
Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, U.S. Navy Unit Commendation (2), Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (3), Battle "E" Ribbon (6), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (3), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (5), Vietnam Service Medal (24, 4 Campaigns), Southwest Asia Service Medal (3 Campaigns), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (14 Deployments), Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait Liberation Medal - Kuwait.
LSD 36 Ribbons
