USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40)

USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40)

Many, many years ago I was stationed on this ship for a couple of months between "real" assignments. It's since been decommissioned so hey guys, you might have shaved with it this morning. Just kidding. But I do wonder how many razor blades you could make out of the thing. Anyway, we would play war games, sending the Marines off the back of this thing and onto the beach in mock landings. That seemed dangerous enough to me, even in the calm Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii with nobody shooting at you. D-Day I couldn't imagine.

Comments

[Dave Cook]

Guys, the Ex-Fort Fisher is now docked at International Shipbreaking in Brownsville, Tx. Shipbreaking for her will be completed sometime in Sept 2010. She is being kept company by the Ex-Saipan and Ex-Austin.

[Cynthia Ciallella]

Gentlemen,
My husband served on the FF from 12/90 until 04/94. His name was Steve Ciallella. He came on board as an enlisted man and received a direct commission. I don't know if anyone can tell me if the Captain at that time is still with us and how to locate him, but I would be very grateful. This was one of his highlights in the navy.

[Mark Feyder]

Hello guys,

If you still have that mat get in touch with me I'll take it and hold on to it.
The Fort was my first ship I joined her in April of 1979 and left her in August of 82. I caught up with her in the Subic Bay. I was an "A" gang member I ended up as LPO in the Machine shop as an MR2. When I first got there MMCS McCloud was still the LCPO and Eric Nelson was my LPO in the Machine shop.

[Jim Cole]

Hi, I just purchased the ships gong that is reported to be from the Fort Fisher I have pics of where it was mounted I am wondering if any of you could confirm that this looks like the one of that ship for verification for me?

Thanks in advance.

[Richard Cooper]

karindunn...I believe Michael Cox worked in Radio with me. I was onboard from '89 until '92. I will ask around with some shipmates I am still in contact with to see if we can locate him.

As for the Fort 40....best ship I served on in my 25 years in the Navy.

[Frank Gamboa]

Greetings to former Fort Fisher shipmates. I commanded the Fort Dec 76 to Dec 78. To set the record straight, we were short-cycled between deployments in 78-79 when ComPhibGru EastPac had to replace an LSD that couldn't complete overhaul in time and thanks to a great crew we were the most ready ship.

[Frank Gamboa]

I discussed my Fort Fisher tour in my memoir "El Capitan: Making of an American Naval Officer." JOSN Kenyon created the best ship's cruise book I ever saw. A great journal of our 77 Westpac. Hard work but lots of fun. A 4.0 ship!