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USS La Salle (LPD-3)

Please see below for item level images and donated collections containing photographs of USS La Salle (LPD-3)

USS La Salle (LPD-3) was laid down by New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, N.Y., 2 April 1962; launched 3 August 1963; sponsored by Mrs. Victor M. Longstreet; and commissioned 22 February 1964, Capt Edward H. Winslow in command.

After shakedown and training in the Caribbean and off Norfolk, USS La Salle (LPD-3) departed Norfolk 9 October to participate in Operation "Steel Pike I", a complex training exercise involving over 80 ships and United States and Spanish troops. The exercise completed 4 November, La Salle joined the 6th Fleet at Naples for amphibious operations and joint NATO training. USS La Salle (LPD-3) returned to Norfolk 13 March 1965.

Through the first half of 1966, USS La Salle (LPD-3) continued operating off the east coast. July and September were spent in Norfolk for upkeep and modifications, with further exercises following. On 3 November, she recovered a Gemini II test space capsule near Ascension Island. This was returned to Cape Kennedy, Fla., and the rest of the year spent on local operations in the Atlantic. USS La Salle (LPD-3) entered the Norfolk Naval Shipyard on 9 January 1967 for repairs and remained there until 20 March. The remainder of 1967 and the first three quarters of 1968 were spent conducting various exercises and port visits which ranged along the entire Atlantic and Gulf coasts and into the Carribean as well. On 2 November USS La Salle (LPD-3) put into Norfolk to prepare for an extended employment with the 6th Fleet. Departing 13 November, she steamed first to Moorhead City, N.C. and then began her voyage to the Mediterranean where she remained into 1969.

For a complete history of USS La Salle (LPD-3) please see its DANFS page.