• 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

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.