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Not comfortable donating online?
Call 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 activity1About 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
- ----
- Decommissioned: October 1, 2003
- Stricken: March 8, 2004
- Status: Disposed, Target July 17, 2010
Ship's crest: The Latin term “Sui Generis” is translated to mean “of a particular kind or first of a class.” Symbolized in the anchor and line are stability and security which the ship provided for the U.S. Navy on the high seas. The ship was unique in two respects; first, it was the largest Dock Landing Ship ever constructed and second, it was the first ship to be named after the historical city of Anchorage, Alaska. Finally, the star on the map depicts the largest city in the largest State of the Union --- ANCHORAGE.
USS Anchorage was lead ship of her class and was the last in class to be decommissioned. The Anchorage Class consisted of five ships; the others were USS Portland (LSD 37), USS Pensacola (LSD 38), USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39), and USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40).
Changes to armament, internal systems, and ship’s boats were made over the years. The four 3”/50 caliber rapid fire gun mounts were replaced with two MK-15 Block 1 CIWS (Close-in Weapon System), two 25mm chain guns, 1 MK 36 Mod 6 SRBOC (Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures), and six .50 caliber machine guns. The ship’s boats at commissioning were one LCM-8 (Landing Craft Mechanized, Mark 8), one LCVP (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel), and two 36’ LCPLs (Landing Craft, Personnel, Large), one being designated as the Captain’s Gig. Introduction of the LCAC (Landing Craft, Air Cushion) in 1987 meant the LCM-8 and LCVP were no longer needed. When decommissioned in 2003, the ship had just two 36’ LCPLs. Two LCAC would be temporarily assigned to the ship when deployed.
The ship was equipped with movable ramps to move personnel and cargo between any of three levels: well deck, mezzanine deck, and flight deck. The ship was also equipped with machine shops and repair facilities, and along with two 50-ton Boat & Aircraft Cranes; one port, one starboard, could provide dry dock services for vessels up to harbor tug in size. This is when the flight deck could be removed.
This ship could embark 337 troops and had extensive storage facilities, including 1,400 cubic feet for cargo and ammunition stowage and 8,400 square feet for vehicle storage. Her flight deck had one helicopter spot and could carry two LCAC in the well deck. More landing craft could be carried if the Mezzanine Deck were removed.
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
