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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Left patch contributed by Wolfgang Hechler, right patch by Mike Smolinski

Contributed by Al Grazevich

USS Ponce AFSB(I)-15
ex
 USS Ponce (LPD-15) (1971 - 2012)


International Radio Call Sign:
November - Sierra - Bravo - Juliet
NSBJ

Nickname - "Proud LIon"

Awards, Citations and Campaign Ribbons




Precedence of awards is from top to bottom, left to right
Top Row - Joint Meritorious Unit Award - Navy Unit Commendation
Second Row - Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2) - Navy Battle "E" Ribbon (7) - Navy Expeditionary Service Medal
Third Row - National Defense Service Medal (2) - Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Lebanon) - Southwest Asia Service Medal
Fourth Row - Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal - Armed Forces Service Medal - Humanitarian Service Medal (2)
Austin Class Amphibious Transport Dock:
  • Laid down, 31 October 1966, at Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction, Seattle WA.
  • Launched, 20 May 1970
  • Commissioned USS Ponce (LPD-15, 10 July 1971, CAPT George W. Farris USN in command
  • Ponce was assigned to Amphibious Squadron Six, Amphibious Group Two, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic and is homeported at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, VA.
  • Redesignated Advanced Forward Staging Base (Interim) AFSB(I), 31 March 2012
  • Decommissioned, 14 October 2017, at Naval Station Norfolk, VA.
  • Placed in service, 14 October 2017, for ferrying to Philadelphia for deactivation
  • Placed out of service and struck from the Naval Register, 26 October 2017 at Philadelphia
    Specifications:
    Displacement 8,894 t.(lt), 16,590 t.(fl)
    Length 570'
    Beam 100'
    Draft 23 ft.
    Speed 21 kts.
    Complement
    28 Officers
    480 Enlisted
    Troop Accommodations
    72 Officers
    851 Enlisted
    Flag Staff Accommodations 90
    Assault Craft (well deck capacity) one LCU, or two LCM-8 or four LCM-6
    Boats
    two LCPL
    one motor whaleboat
    Armament
    (As Built)
    four twin 3"/50 gun mounts
    (Modernized)
    two 25mm MK38 chain guns
    two Phalanx CIWS
    eight 50 cal. machine guns
    Aircraft two CH-46/CH-53 or four UH-1/AH-1, or two AV-8B Harriers
    Propulsion
    two Foster-Wheeler boilers
    two DeLaval steam turbines
    two propellers, 24,000 shaft horsepower
    Click On Image
    For Full Size Image    		 Size Image Description Contributed
    By
    USS Ponce (LPD-15)
    Ponce 371k Launching of Ponce (LPD-15), 20 May 1970, at Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction, Seattle WA. Dale Hargrave
    Ponce 174k USS Ponce (LPD-15) exiting Chesapeake Bay in 1971 after having completing her shakedown cruise from Bremerton, WA. Note Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and Fort Monroe to starboard This is Ponce in her original configuration with four gun mounts all twin 3"/50. The forward two mounts (Mounts 31 & 32) are enclosed. Jim Williams, USS Ponce 1973-75
    Ponce 137k USS Ponce (LPD-15) off San Juan Puerto Rico, circa 1973. As built configuration with four 3"/50 twin gun mounts. Jim Williams, USS Ponce 1973-75
    Ponce
    10091567    		 167k USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway off Norfolk, VA., date unknown
    © Nobe Smith    		 Nicholas Tiberio
    Boulder
    1016119015     		129k USS Boulder (LST-1190) following in the wake of dock landing ship USS Ponce (LPD-15), as seen from USS Coronado (LPD-11), in the Atlantic Ocean during Operation "Northern European Merger," in September-December 1975.
    U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command. Photo # USN 1165891    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 603k USS Ponce (LPD-15) Med-moored at Genoa, Italy, 1 November 1976. Photo by Carlo Martinelli
    Ponce 111k USS Ponce (LPD-15) at Moorehead City, N.C., February 1977 © Richard Leonhardt
    Ponce 50k USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway, date and location unknown.
    US Navy photo    		  
    Ponce
    10091568    		 263k USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway off Norfolk, VA., date unknown
    © Nobe Smith    		 Nicholas Tiberio
    Ponce
    10091569    		 196k USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway off Norfolk, VA., date unknown Nicholas Tiberio
    Ponce
    10091571    		 419k Starboard quarter of USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway, 1 November 1984.
    U.S. National Archives College Park Identifier: 6430318, a U.S. Navy photo now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 274k The ships of MARG 1-86 looking aft from USS Ponce (LPD-15). Ships in the group are from left to right are USS Manitowoc (LST-1180), USS El Paso (LKA-117), in the far distance, and USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7). Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 239k USS Ponce (LPD-15) with two Marine Corps. H53 Sea Stallion helicopters on her flight deck in the winter of 1986 during a Mediterranean deployment. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 260k USS Ponce (LPD-15) flight deck operations during the ships' 1986 Mediterranean deployment. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 214k USS Ponce (LPD-15) during an underway replenishment in the Mediterranean in 1986. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 160k USS Ponce (LPD-15) moored in the harbor at Naples Italy. Ponce made a routine port visit to Naples from 11 to 19 February 1986. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 227k USS Ponce (LPD-15) anchored at Cap Serrat, Tunisia while conducting amphibious exercises, 22 to 28 February 1986. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 295k USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway in the Grand Canal at Venice, Italy, 27 March 1986. Ponce made a routine port visit to Venice from 27 March to 2 April. 1986. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 260k USS Ponce (LPD-15) moored at Venice, circa 27 March to 2 April. 1986. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Fairfax County
    1016119342    		 164k A view of the Metro Machine Company's Imperial Docks at Norfolk, VA., showing several ships undergoing overhaul and modification. The ships are, left to right: the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD-15), a service craft barracks ship, the guided missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG-42), and the tank landing ship USS Fairfax County (LST-1193). Circa April 1987.
    U.S. Navy "All Hands" magazine January 1991, p. 27.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 182k View of USS Ponce (LPD-15)'s stern gate while drydocked, at Portsmouth, VA. circa April to August 1987. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce
    10091570    		 200k Bow view of USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, 1 September 1987. U.S. National Archives College Park photo Identifier: 6452616 a U.S. Navy photo now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives. Robert Hurst
    Ponce 315k USS Ponce (LPD-15) flight deck, circa Aug 1985 - July 1987. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 43k One of USS Ponce (LPD-15)'s twin 3"/50 gun mounts Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 314k
    Ponce 76k USS Ponce (LPD-15) well deck operations Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 269k
    Ponce 284k An LCM entering the well deck of USS Ponce (LPD-15). Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 480k
    Ponce 361k USS Ponce (LPD-15) stern gate closing. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 285k Starboard broadside view of USS Ponce (LPD-15) at anchor, date and location unknown. Scott Baker, former PAO and Weapons Officer (Aug 1985 - July 1987) USS Ponce
    Ponce 32k USS Ponce (LPD-15) heading up the Elizabeth River for a four month maintenance availability at Metro Shipyard, Portsmouth, VA. with at least three tugs assisting; the one in the foreground is Nancy McAllister, 24 January 1989 Photo by H. Carl Nancken
    Ponce 59k USS Ponce (LPD-15) at Barcelona, Spain, 12 April 1990. In this photo Ponce's armament has been updated to include two Phalanx close-in-weapons-systems (CIWS). The Phalanx systems replaced the forward port and the after starboard 3"/50 gun mounts; the starboard CIWS mount has been relocated forward, nearer the bridge. Photo by Fabio Peña
    Ponce 52k USS Ponce (LPD-15) at Barcelona, Spain, 12 April 1990. This photo again shows the updated armament configuration as noted above. Photo by Fabio Peña
    Ponce 877k USS Ponce (LPD-15) underway, date and location unknown. Wendell Royce McLaughlin Jr
    Ponce 65k USS Ponce (LPD-15) in Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta, July 2001. Robert Hurst
    Saipan 111k USS Saipan (LHA 2) left, and USS Ponce (LPD15) flank the underway replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201) during a simultaneous underway replenishment (UNREP), 21 September 2002.
    US Navy photo # 020921-N-6920A-001 by PHAN Latrice N. Ames    		 Bill Gonyo
    Spica 74k USS Ponce (LPD-15), USNS Spica (T-AFS-9) and USS Saipan (LHA-2) prepare to conduct a simultaneous Refueling at Sea (RAS), 31 January 2003. Ponce is part of Amphibious Task Force East (AFT-E), underway on an unscheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
    US Navy photo # 030131-N-2972R-056 by PH3 Angel Roman-Otero.    		 Bernard A. Cardali USS LST-308
    Big Horn
    091919859    		 106k The Military Sealift Command (MSC) underway replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO-198), foreground, refuels USS Ponce (LPD-15) as the guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60) cruises alongside, 4 April 2005, Atlantic Ocean.
    U.S. Marine Corps photo 050404-M-5900L-053 by Lance Cpl. Daniel R. Lowndes.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce
    10091576    		 202k USS Ponce (LPD-15) left, and the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) conduct steering maneuvers in the Atlantic Ocean, 5 April 2005.
    U.S. Navy photo # 050405-N-2382W-006 by PHAN Finley Williams    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce
    10091577    		 162k USS Ponce (LPD-15) anchors in Bitter Lake, Suez Canal, 22 April 2005, while awaiting clearance to continue through the Suez Canal with the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group.
    U.S. Navy photo # 050422-N-3557N-02 by PHAN Christopher J. Newsome    		 Robert Hurst
    Ashland 2760k USS Ponce (LPD-15) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD-48) receive stores during a connected replenishment with the Military Sealift Command (MSC) combat stores ship USNS Spica (T-AFS-9). Ponce, Ashland and Spica are deployed with the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group and are currently conducting Maritime Security Operations in the Persian Gulf.
    US Navy photo # 050505-N-2382W-010 Persian Gulf (May 5, 2005) by PHAN Finley Williams    		 Navy Newsstand
    Ponce
    10091578    		 150k USS Ponce (LPD-15) receives fuel and stores during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command underway replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO-193) while underway in the Persian Gulf, 27 May 2005.
    U.S. Navy photo # 050527-N-2382W-022 by PHAN Finley Williams    		 Robert Hurst
    Kearsarge
    10080391    		 284k Amphibious ships of the USS Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group USS Kearsarge (LHD-3), USS Ponce (LPD-15), USS Ashland (LSD-48) and Landing Craft, Air Cushions (LCAC), assigned to Assault Craft Unit Four (ACU-4), conduct steering maneuvers while underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Kearsarge and embarked ACU-4 are returning to their homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
    US Navy photo # 050917-N-2382W-255 Atlantic Ocean (Sept 17, 2005) by PHAN Finley Williams.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce
    10091579    		 137k Search and rescue swimmers Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Classes Wayne Shockley and Ramon Perez watch as the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD-15) and the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) conduct steering maneuvers in the Atlantic Ocean, 17 September 2005. Kearsarge and Ponce returning to their homeport after a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
    U.S. Navy photo # 050917-N-5313A-002 by PHAN Sarah E. Ard.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 579k USS Ponce (LPD-15) pulls alongside Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO 203) to begin an underway replenishment, 20 June 2007. Ponce is underway in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
    US Navy photo # 070620-N-4014G-037 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 20, 2007) by MC3 Patrick Gearhiser.    		 Douglas Brown
    Ponce 4303k An MH-60S Seahawk, from Helicopter Combat Sea Squadron (HSC-22) "Sea Knights", approaches the flight deck of USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) during a troop transport with USS Ponce (LPD-15). Kearsarge is deployed in support of maritime security operations (MSO).
    US Navy photo # 071101-N-7955L-007 INDIAN OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2007) by MCSN Christopher Lange.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Ponce 1922k USS Ponce (LPD-15) moored pierside at Norfolk, VA., 27 April 2008 Photo by Larry Backus
    Ponce 1308k USS Ponce (LPD-15) moored pierside at Norfolk, VA., 27 April 2008 Photo by Larry Backus
    Ponce
    10091573    		 87k USS Ponce (LPD-15) departs Naval Station Norfolk, 3 September 2008, as the Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSB-714) sits pierside. Norfolk is undergoing a scheduled maintenance availability.
    U.S. Navy photo # 080903-N-7705S-054 by PH1 Todd Schaffer.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 432k USS Ponce (LPD-15) pulls away from the pier at Naval Station Norfolk, 14 September 2008. Ponce will be demonstrating operational readiness off the Virginia coast and available to provide disaster response if called upon.
    US Navy photo # 080914-N-1713L-047 NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 14, 2008) by MC1 Lolita Lewis.    		 Robert M. Cieri
    Ponce
    10091575    		 233k USS Ponce (LPD-15) pulls away after a practice approach during a fueling at sea training evolution with the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD-5), Atlantic Ocean, 28 October 2008.
    U.S. Navy photo # 081028-N-1467R-008 by MC2 Pedro A. Rodrvåguez.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 1870k USS Ponce (LPD-15) departs from Naval Station Norfolk as part of the Bataan Ready Group on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Fifth and Sixth Fleet areas of operation. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is comprised of the USS Bataan (LHD-5, Ponce and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD-43).
    US Navy photo # 090513-N-9985W-095 NORFOLK (May 13, 2009) by MC3 Tyler J. Wilson.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 1217k USS Ponce (LPD-15) steams through the Red Sea after completing replenishment at sea with the military sealift command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1), 27 June 2009. Ponce is deployed with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in support of Maritime Security Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
    US Navy photo # 090627-N-5345W-031 RED SEA (June 27, 2009) by MC2 Kristopher Wilson.    		 Robert Hurst
    Kanawha 1063k The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Kanawha (T-AO 196) conducts a replenishment at sea with USS Ponce (LPD-15) and the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 091008-N-9740S-014 U.S. 5th FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 8, 2009) by MCC Tony Sisti.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 2550k USS Ponce (LPD-15) heads to sea after a port visit to the Seychelles. Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 101111-N-7293M-470 VICTORIA, Seychelles (Nov. 11, 2010) by MC1 Nathanael Miller.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 1017k An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC-22) flies above USS Ponce (LPD-15). Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 110310-N-3154P-087: MEDITERRANEAN SEA (March 10, 2011) by MC3 Scott Pittman.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 903k Sailors and Marines man the rails as USS Ponce (LPD-15) returns to Naval Station Norfolk after completing an extended deployment in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and deployed with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU).
    US Navy photo # 110516-N-VK779-150 NORFOLK (May 16, 2011) by MC3 Brian Goodwin.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 2161k USS Ponce (LPD-15) moored at Pier 2, Naval Station Norfolk, VA., after her final week at sea. After 40 years of service Ponce's crew is beginning the process that will result in the ship's decommissioning in 2012.
    US Navy photo # 111202-N-YX169-413 NORFOLK (Dec. 2, 2011) by MC1 Nathanael Miller.    		 Lee Wahler
    USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15)
    Ponce 244k Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) departs Naval Station Norfolk. Ponce will fulfill a long-standing requirement from U.S. Central Command for an AFSB.
    US Navy photo # 120601-N-YF783-040 NORFOLK (June 1, 2012) by MC3 Kayla Jo Finley.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 1347k Tug boats assist the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) as she arrives in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Ponce is deployed to support maritime security operations and mine countermeasure efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 120706-N-UM570-051 MINA SALMAN PORT, Bahrain (July 6, 2012) by MC2 Ashante Hammons.    		 Ron Reeves
    Ponce
    10091572    		 136k USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) departs Mina Salman, Bahrain, 20 September 2012, for phase two of the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    U.S. Navy photo # 120920-N-LQ799-099 by MC1 Lewis Hunsaker.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce
    10091574    		 233k USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) underway in the Arabian Gulf, 22 September 2012, during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12). in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    U.S. Navy photo # 120922-N-GG400-039 by MC3 .    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 314k USS Ponce (AFSB(I)15), bottom, transits the Arabian Gulf with the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD-17). San Antonio is deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 130426-N-GZ984-198 ARABIAN GULF (April 26, 2013) by MC2 Terah L. Mollise.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 340k USS Ponce (AFSB(I)15) transits the Arabian Gulf. Formerly designated as an amphibious transport dock ship (LPD), Ponce was recently converted and reclassified to fulfill a longstanding U.S. Central Command request for an Afloat Forward Staging Base to be forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
    US Navy photo # 130426-N-GZ984-233 ARABIAN GULF (April 26, 2013) by MC2 Terah L. Mollise.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 130k USS Ponce (AFSB(I)15) and the Royal Navy Fleet Auxiliary amphibious assault vessel RFA Cardigan Bay (L3009) lead a formation of ships in the Persian Gulf 21 May 2013, during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise (IMCMEX) 2013. IMCMEX is an international symposium and exercise designed to enhance cooperation, mutual maritime capabilities and long-term regional stability between the U.S. and its international partners.
    US Navy photo # 130521-N-OA702-327 PERSIAN GULF (May 21, 2013) by MC1 Michael Sandberg    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 170k USS Ponce (AFSB(I)15) is boarded by Sailors and Marines from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) during an enhanced vessel board, search and seizure drill.
    US Navy photo # 140428-N-BD629-280 ARABIAN GULF (April 28, 2014) by MC2 Shannon M. Smith.    		 Ron Reeves
    Ponce 222k USNS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) conducts an operational demonstration of the Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored Laser Weapon System (LaWS) while deployed to the Arabian Gulf, 17 November 2014.
    US Navy photo by John F. Williams.    		 Robert Hurst
    Ponce 89k MANAMA, Bahrain (Nov. 26, 2014) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) ADM. Jonathan Greenert gets a firsthand look at the directed energy Laser Weapon System (LaWS) aboard USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) before an all-hands call with Sailors and Military Sealift Command crew members aboard Ponce. Greenert is in Bahrain for a series of international and fleet engagement activities.
    US Navy photo by MCC Peter D. Lawlor.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 209k USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) prepares to conduct well deck operations during U.S.-U.K. Mine Countermeasures Exercise (MCMEX). U.S.-U.K. MCMEX is designed to improve interoperability and evolve the expeditionary mine countermeasures company concept of employment from an afloat forward staging base and afloat platforms of opportunity.
    US Navy photo # 151118-N-BJ294-011 ARABIAN GULF (Nov. 18, 2015), by MC2 Wyatt Huggett.    		 Lee Wahler
    Ponce 54k Last of the Proud Lions. USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) crew photo, last day in commission, 13 October 2017. Pier Two Naval Station Norfolk, VA. Norfolk Marine Terminal in the background.  
    Ponce 256k Senior Chief Operations Specialist Marshall Lloyd, left presents the USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) commissioning pennant to her last commanding Officer CAPT. Christopher K. Wells USN, during the ship's decommissioning ceremony, 14 October 2017 at Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by Dale Hargrave
    Ponce 32k Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) moves up the Schuylkill River on Monday, 23 October 2017 as she approaches Philadelphia for lay up in at the Philadelphia Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility. Brian Maniglia
    Ponce 188k Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) entering the reserve basin at Philadelphia Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility, 23 October 2017 . Joseph J. LaPenna Jr.
    Ponce 313k
    Ponce 209k Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) moored pierside at Navy INACTIVESHIPS On-Site Maintenance Facility Philadelphia, 6 November 2017, to begin inactivation. Note ex-USNS Hayes (T-AG-195) and ex-USS Nashville (LPD-13) moored astern of Ponce. Joseph J. LaPenna Jr.
    Ponce 237k

    For more photos and information about USS Ponce, see;
  • Ship History/Command Operations Reports
  • USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) Historical Chronology
  • Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) Will Provide Combat Capability for Fifth Fleet
  • Decommissioning Ceremony Invitation
    • Commanding Officers
    01CAPT. Farris. George Winter, USN10 July 1971 - 9 May 1973LPD-15
    02CAPT. Warwick, William Bertram, USN :RADM9 May 1973 - 16 May 1974LPD-15
    03CAPT. Glunt Jr., David Latta, USN (USNA 1954)16 May 1974 - 11 July 1975LPD-15
    04CAPT. Mulloy, Paul Joseph, USN (USNA 1952) :RADM11 July 1975 - 16 September 1976LPD-15
    05CAPT. Allingham, James Robert, USN16 September 1976 - 12 January 1978LPD-15
    06CAPT. Murphy, Richard Glenn, USN (USNA 1954)12 January 1978 - 17 May 1979LPD-15
    07CAPT. Felkins, Charles Gerritt, USN17 May 1979 - 18 April 1981LPD-15
    08CAPT. March, Daniel Peter, USN (USNA 1961) :RADM18 April 1981 - 3 December 1982LPD-15
    09CAPT. Zimmer, Emory Partl, USN (USNA 1957)3 December 1982 - 8 January 1985LPD-15
    10CAPT. Lucas, Robert Peter, USN8 January 1985 - 31 January 1986LPD-15
    11CAPT. Borchers II, Doyle John, USN (USNA 1965)31 January 1986 - 25 March 1988LPD-15
    12CAPT. Moser, Alan Brown, USN25 March 1988 - 6 January 1990LPD-15
    13CAPT. Bryant, Stanley Walter, USN (USNA 1969) :RADM6 January 1990 - 29 July 1991LPD-15
    14CAPT. Vion, Charles Paul, USN29 July 1991 - 5 March 1993LPD-15
    15CAPT. Sherrange, Daniel Thomas, USN5 March 1993 - 14 February 1995LPD-15
    16CAPT. Mahoney, Leon Francis, USN14 February 1995 - 5 December 1996LPD-15
    17CDR. Scardina Jr., William Vito, USN5 December 1996 - 5 June 1998LPD-15
    18CAPT. Chace, Christopher Bruce, USN5 June 1998 - 14 January 2000LPD-15
    19CDR. Murphy, Mark Joseph, USN14 January 2000 - 13 October 2000LPD-15
    20CDR. Chassee, Thomas James, USN13 October 2000 - 14 June 2002LPD-15
    21CDR. Pachuta, Anthony Joseph, USN14 June 2002 - 6 February 2004LPD-15
    22CDR. Jacob, William H., USN6 February 2004 - 14 October 2005LPD-15
    23CDR. Brown, William Andrew (Wes), USN14 October 2005 - 13 April 2007LPD-15
    24CDR. Frey, Richard Anthony, USN13 April 2007 - 7 November 2008LPD-15
    25CDR. Crone, Timothy Alan, USN7 November 2008 - 24 October 2010LPD-15
    26CDR. Jones, Etta Christine (CJ), USN24 October 2010 - 23 April 2011 (relieved for cause)LPD-15
    27CAPT. Skillman, John Bradley (Brad), USN (USNA 1986) :RADM23 April 2011 - 31 May 2011LPD-15
    28CDR. Hayes, Stephen Cole, USN 31 May 2011 - 30 March 2012LPD-15
    29CAPT. Rodgers Jr., Jon P. (JR), USN16 April 2012 - 5 December 2013AFSB (I)-15
    31CAPT. Maxey, Dale Wayne, USN5 December 2013 - 23 November 2014AFSB (I)-15
    32CAPT. Klaszky, Robert Anthony, USN 23 November 2014 - 24 November 2015AFSB (I)-15
    33CAPT. Reilley, John Kenneth (Ken), USN (USNA 1993)24 November 2015 - 12 November 2016AFSB (I)-15
    34CAPT. Wells, Christopher Kevin, USN (USNA 1996)12 November 2016 -  AFSB (I)-15
    Courtesy Wolfgang Hechler and Ron Reeves
    Crew Contact And Reunion Information
    U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation - Navy Log
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