USS Point Defiance LSD-31

The USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship built for the United States Navy during the Cold War. Her keel was laid down on September 4, 1954, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She was launched on January 28, 1955, and commissioned on March 31, 1955. This ship was part of a push to modernize the Navy's amphibious capabilities, crucial for rapid deployment and logistical support in the post-World War II world.

Named after Point Defiance in Tacoma, Washington, the ship carried a name that symbolized strength and resilience. Point Defiance is a landmark known for its natural beauty and historical significance, making it a fitting namesake for a vessel designed to project power and support amphibious operations.

The USS Point Defiance had some standout features. Her well deck could carry, launch, and recover landing craft and amphibious vehicles. It was large enough to accommodate up to four Landing Craft Utility (LCU) or 21 Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP). She also had a helicopter deck, which added to her versatility in amphibious operations. Her robust design and advanced capabilities made her a key player in the Navy's amphibious assault and logistical support missions.

Throughout her service, the USS Point Defiance made significant contributions to military operations and exercises. She took part in numerous amphibious assaults, humanitarian missions, and training exercises, showcasing the Navy's ability to project power and provide support in various environments. Her operational history includes deployments to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean, where she played a vital role in reinforcing US military presence and readiness.

As a member of the Thomaston-class dock landing ships, the USS Point Defiance was designed to support amphibious operations by transporting and launching landing craft and vehicles. These ships were built to quickly deploy troops, equipment, and supplies to shore during amphibious assaults. The Thomaston-class was an evolution of earlier designs, with improvements in capacity, speed, and versatility to meet the demands of modern amphibious warfare.

Commissioned in 1955, the USS Point Defiance quickly became a crucial part of the Navy's amphibious forces. Her commissioning marked the start of a distinguished career spanning over three decades. During this time, she not only supported amphibious operations but also adapted to the Navy's changing needs, participating in a wide range of missions that highlighted her flexibility and enduring value.

 

USS Point Defiance LSD-31: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry

The USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship, celebrated for its robust and versatile design. At 510 feet long and with a beam of 84 feet, it had plenty of room for its main job: transporting and launching amphibious craft and vehicles. The ship's well deck was a standout feature. It could flood to launch and recover landing craft like the LCU (Landing Craft Utility) and LCM (Landing Craft Mechanized). It could hold up to three LCU or nine LCM-8s, making it a key player in amphibious operations. Fully loaded, the ship displaced about 11,000 tons, including vehicles, equipment, and personnel.

Technologically, the USS Point Defiance was ahead of its time. It had advanced navigation and communication systems, including radar for surface and air search, crucial for navigation and spotting threats. The communication suite had HF, VHF, and UHF radios, ensuring solid contact with other naval units and ground forces. The ship also boasted a comprehensive damage control system, with fire suppression and dewatering capabilities, vital for staying operational during combat or emergencies. Its engineering plant featured two steam turbines driving two shafts, giving it a top speed of around 21 knots, impressive for its size and class.

When it came to armament, the USS Point Defiance was well-equipped to defend against air and surface threats. It had twin 3-inch/50 caliber dual-purpose guns, effective against aircraft and smaller surface vessels. These guns were in open gun houses, offering a wide field of fire. The ship also had several 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft cannons, providing a rapid rate of fire against fast-moving aerial threats. This balanced defense allowed the ship to protect itself and its valuable cargo during amphibious assaults.

The ship's weaponry was matched by its ability to deploy a range of amphibious vehicles and landing craft. This was crucial for amphibious operations, letting the ship deliver troops, tanks, and other vehicles directly onto hostile shores. The well deck and crane systems made for quick loading and unloading, allowing the ship to swiftly switch from transport to combat support roles. The combination of its design, technology, and versatile armament made the USS Point Defiance a formidable part of the U.S. Navy's amphibious warfare strategy during its service years.

 

Crew Accounts of Time Aboard

The USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) holds a treasure trove of memories for its former crew members, spanning decades of service and countless experiences. The guestbook posts from these veterans paint a vivid picture of life aboard the ship, highlighting camaraderie, adventures, and the challenges they faced together.

**Stephen Adams** recalls the excitement of being at sea in 1981 and a particularly memorable liberty incident where he and his friends were jumped by another ship's crew. Despite the altercation, the sense of adventure and brotherhood stands out in his memory.

**Carl Aiken** served in 1965 and cherishes the memories of his mates under trying times, emphasizing the strong bonds formed during service. Similarly, **William Allen** reflects on his time in 1966, noting the friendships with shipmates like Gary Roush and Mike Hudak, and the enjoyable liberties in Port Oregon.

**Wendy Allen** fondly remembers the camaraderie with Radiomen Bill Clark and Barry Kunert in 1972, even recounting a humorous transaction involving a 1957 Chevrolet. **Bob Allen**, who served in 1980, treasures his first ship assignment, which set the stage for his 20-year Navy career.

**Sam Amans** shares his experiences from 1971, including multiple WestPac tours and the friendships formed with fellow crew members like Honea and Ditz. **Frank Andrus** recounts significant operations such as the USS Thresher search and Operation Starlite in the early 1960s.

**Frank Anfuso** reflects on his service in 1970 with a sense of appreciation for the growth it brought him, despite initial reluctance. **Edward P Anthony**, a Marine aboard in 1972, expresses gratitude for the Navy crew's hospitality during his first sea deployment.

**Melchor Antonio** reminisces about the "Aft Hole Screw Crew" and the lively port visits in 1976, while **Norman Atwater** recalls the challenges of fixing fire main leaks in 1972. **John Atwater** and **Jani Audet** share personal anecdotes and seek connections with old shipmates.

**John L Austin** and **Lester Bailey** provide insights into their roles as Corpsmen in the 1960s, with Bailey vividly remembering the river transits in Vietnam. **Robert Baker** and **George Barton** offer glimpses into the ship's early years, including the 1958 South Pacific expedition and the search for old friends.

**Jerry Bass** and **Robert Beckman** reflect on their service in the mid-1960s, with Bass seeking to reconnect with a good friend and Beckman celebrating a long-awaited reunion with a fellow sailor. **Larry Behan** and **Thomas Black** share fond memories of their shipmates and the adventures they had.

**Michael Blue** and **William Brown** recount their WestPac cruises in the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting the friendships and experiences that made their time aboard special. **Ed Burken** and **David Cancel** express gratitude for the camaraderie and the lasting impact of their service.

**Ron Carr** and **Leonel Casanova** reflect on the ship's decommissioning and the friendships formed during their time aboard. **Art Cedillos** and **Roy Chavez** share memories of their WestPac cruises and the challenges faced during operations off the Vietnam coast.

**Terry Cheney** and **Barry Christopher** recall their work in the firerooms and the transition to new roles, while **William Clark** and **David Cole** highlight the memorable port visits and operations they participated in. **Clayton Colley** and **Harry Collins** provide insights into their engineering roles and the friendships formed.

**Robert Culpepper** and **Jim Czarnota** share their experiences from multiple WestPac cruises, emphasizing the bonds formed with their shipmates. **Jake Davis** and **Steven De Looze** reflect on the friendships and the unique experiences of their deployments.

**Mike De Wey** and **Gerald Decker** offer glimpses into their early years aboard the ship, with Decker noting the youthful perspective that shaped his experiences. **Noel Ditzenberger** and **Paul Donohue** share updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service.

**Terry Dote** and **Mike Doto** seek to reconnect with old shipmates and share memories of their time in the engine rooms. **Don Dowling** and **Dave Duca** reflect on the operations and the friendships formed during their WestPac cruises.

**Terry Elmore** and **Erik Ericksen** provide insights into significant operations like the Cuban Missile Crisis and the USS Thresher search. **Augie Estill** and **Jerry Fleming** share personal updates and fond memories of their time aboard.

**Gary Fuller** and **John Gannon** highlight the importance of health checks for Agent Orange exposure and the training programs that shaped their careers. **James Gideon** and **Larry Gilliatt** seek to reconnect with old shipmates and share memories of their service.

**Richard Gillis** and **Tom Gogolin** reflect on their roles in the Hull Technician division and the friendships formed. **Woodrow Graham** and **Gus Grzywinski** share updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service.

**Edward Guenley** and **Scott Haines** provide updates on their post-Navy lives and seek to reconnect with old shipmates. **Irvin Hawkins** and **Ronald Heine** share memories of their time in the engine rooms and the friendships formed.

**Jim Helten** and **Glenn Hendricks** reflect on their WestPac cruises and the challenges faced during operations off the Vietnam coast. **William Hess** and **Paul Higginson** share memories of their deployments and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**Bob Houle** and **Roger Hutchings** provide insights into their roles and the significant operations they participated in. **Paul Illig** and **Danny Jackson** share updates on their post-Navy lives and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**Kenneth Januario** and **Philbrick Jerry** reflect on the friendships formed and the lasting impact of their service. **Bob Johncola** and **Terry Jones** share memories of their time in the engine rooms and the friendships formed.

**Gary Jones** and **Marty Keane** provide updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service. **Jones Keith** and **Sam Kersey** share memories of their time aboard and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**Robert King** and **Charles K Lackey** reflect on their roles in the engine rooms and the friendships formed. **Jackie Langham** and **Andrew Lenahan** share updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service.

**Robin D Lewis** and **Jerry Long** provide insights into their roles and the significant operations they participated in. **Jack Lowden** and **Aron Lucky Lucero** share memories of their WestPac cruises and the friendships formed.

**Dennis Marshall** and **Philip Martin** reflect on their roles in the engine rooms and the friendships formed. **Clay Mauldin** and **Monte McDowell** share memories of their time aboard and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**Tom McGinley** and **Jack McKinnon** provide updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service. **Jace McManama** and **Guy Miali** share memories of their time aboard and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**Kim Miller** and **William Mitchell** reflect on their roles and the significant operations they participated in. **Richard Morrison** and **Mike Moser** share updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service.

**James Moshier** and **Harold Mosley** provide insights into their roles in the engine rooms and the friendships formed. **Tim Mulyck** and **Bartine Mummey** share memories of their time aboard and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**Kenneth Nelson** and **Oswald Nelson** reflect on their roles and the significant operations they participated in. **Steve Nelson** and **John Nicolosi** share updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service.

**Jerry Noh** and **Gregory Nordin** provide insights into their roles in the engine rooms and the friendships formed. **Keven Norris** and **Paul Obinger** share memories of their time aboard and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**Mark Owens** and **David Patterson** reflect on their roles and the significant operations they participated in. **William Patz** and **Stephen Joe Payne** share updates on their post-Navy lives and the lasting impact of their service.

**John Pete Peterson** and **David Peterson** provide insights into their roles in the engine rooms and the friendships formed. **Thomas Pittman** and **Mike Powers** share memories of their time aboard and seek to reconnect with old shipmates.

**John Prejmak** and **Frederick Puent** reflect on their roles and the significant operations they participated in. The collective memories of these veterans highlight the enduring bonds formed aboard the USS Point Defiance and the lasting impact of their service on their lives.

 

USS Point Defiance LSD-31: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet

The USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) was a remarkable ship in the U.S. Navy, constantly evolving to meet the demands of its missions. Commissioned in 1955, it was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship, built to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles. Over the years, it received several upgrades. In the 1960s, it got better radar and communication systems, boosting its operational capabilities. The 1980s brought advanced navigation systems and modernized propulsion machinery, which extended its life and improved fuel efficiency.

The ship's mission capabilities were diverse and adapted to the Navy's changing needs. Initially, it supported amphibious operations, launching landing craft and vehicles. This was crucial during the Vietnam War, where it played a key role in transporting and deploying Marine units. It also served as a mobile repair and supply base, providing logistical support to other vessels. Its versatility allowed it to handle various missions, from humanitarian aid to combat support.

The USS Point Defiance made significant contributions to the fleet. It participated in numerous exercises and operations, proving its reliability. During the Vietnam War, it was vital for amphibious assaults and troop movements, thanks to its ability to quickly deploy and recover landing craft. Beyond combat, it was involved in peacetime operations, like disaster relief, showing the Navy's commitment to humanitarian missions.

The USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) was a testament to the adaptability and resilience of the Navy's amphibious fleet. Continuous upgrades kept it effective and extended its service life. Its diverse capabilities supported a wide range of operations, from combat to humanitarian aid. The ship's contributions were significant, making it a versatile and reliable asset. Its legacy continues as a key component of the Navy's amphibious warfare capabilities.

 

USS Point Defiance LSD-31: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations

USS Point Defiance (LSD-31) was a remarkable ship with a storied service record. Commissioned in 1955, she was a key player in the U.S. Navy's amphibious warfare strategy. Throughout her career, Point Defiance took part in numerous Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployments, crucial during the Cold War. These missions often included joint exercises with allied navies, highlighting her versatility and readiness to tackle global challenges. Her ability to transport, launch, and support amphibious craft and vehicles made her indispensable in projecting American naval power and ensuring maritime security.

During the Vietnam War, Point Defiance was vital in several operations. She transported and landed Marines and their equipment, providing crucial support for amphibious assaults and logistics. Notably, she participated in Operation Starlite in 1965, the first major offensive by a purely U.S. military unit in the Vietnam War. Her capabilities were key to the operation's success, which aimed to thwart a planned Viet Cong attack. Her contributions underscored her importance in amphibious warfare and her adaptability to combat demands.

Beyond wartime, Point Defiance was active in peacetime operations and humanitarian missions. Her deployments often included training exercises and goodwill visits to various ports, fostering international relations and enhancing the Navy's global presence. A standout humanitarian mission was her role in disaster relief after the 1964 Alaska earthquake. Her crew provided critical assistance, showcasing the Navy's commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster response. These activities highlighted her versatility and the diverse roles she played beyond combat.

Point Defiance's outstanding service didn't go unnoticed. She received numerous awards and commendations, reflecting the dedication and professionalism of her crew. Among these were multiple Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations for exceptional performance in both combat and peacetime. She also earned several campaign medals for her Vietnam War service, including the Vietnam Service Medal with multiple campaign stars. These honors are a testament to her significant contributions to the U.S. Navy's mission and her enduring legacy in naval history.

 

USS Point Defiance LSD-31 Ship Specifications

Specification	Details
Class	Thomaston Class Dock Landing Ship
Commissioned	March 31, 1955
Displacement	11,525 tons
Length	510 feet
Beam	84 feet
Draft	19 feet
Speed	21 knots
Complement	304 Crew 300 Troops