USS Whidbey Island (LSD-41) is a (LSD) of the United States Navy.
On 1 October 2007, Whidbey Island deployed from Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base. After being deployed to the Horn of Africa, she assisted the Comorian vessel and her crew when they were released by Somali pirates on 2 December 2007.
2008 – 2009
On 12 January 2008, the US Navy reported that Whidbey Island had fired warning shots near a small Iranian boat in the Strait of Hormuz in December. The boat was reportedly approaching Whidbey Island rapidly but stopped after the warning shots were fired.
2011 – 2012
thumb|Whidbey Island off the coast of Romania, 2 August 2011
On 23 March 2011, Whidbey Island deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. Whidbey Island had 11 port visits in eight different countries throughout the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Sailors and Marines participated in Operation Summer Storm 2011 off the coast of Romania from 30 July - 3 August. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit disembarked 4 February 2012 in Morehead City, North Carolina. Whidbey Island returned to her homeport at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia on 7 February 2012, concluding the month deployment.
2016
On 24 June 2016, Whidbey Island deployed from Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, on what would likely be her final deployment. She conducted eight Theater Security Port Visits; country visits vital to reassuring host nations of the commitment of the United States to their partnership. On 21 July 2016 Whidbey Island transited the Bosphorus Strait during a time of tension following the failed 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt.
2020
In December 2020 the U.S. Navy's Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels stated that the ship was planned to be placed Out of Commission in Reserve in 2022.
2022
thumb|Whidbey Island moored at the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia
Whidbey Island was decommissioned during a ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia on 22 July 2022. She was towed to the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by the in August 2022.
Fate
On 13 January 2026, ex-Whidbey Island was towed to scrap.
Ship's coat of arms
The dark blue and white colors refer to the sea, with the angular green area, representing the evergreen terrain of Whidbey Island, backed by blue sky. The color gold is symbolic of excellence, and the ship's wheel of gold reflects the seagoing pride and professionalism of the ship's crew. The green Maltese Cross refers to the humanitarian mission of the USS Whidbey (AG 141), the first ship to carry the name Whidbey. The gold crown emblazoned on red at the center of the wheel recalls the expedition under the British Crown, which explored the Pacific Northwest in the 1790s. The island in these waters is named for Lieutenant Joseph Whidbey, who was a member of this English expedition. The crossed swords of the Navy and Marine Corps officers attest to the Navy Marine Corps teamwork and leadership that are the foundation and key elements for accomplishment of Whidbey Island's amphibious warfare mission. The trident is the traditional symbol of sea power; however, the winged trident of LSD-41 further represents the revolutionary dimension of amphibious warfare this ship introduces. The gold and red colors of the winged trident portray the excellence and courage of those who will man the ship. The wreath of Western Hemlock, the State Tree of Washington, represents the spirit of the ship's namesake.
References
External links
- USS Whidbey Island official website
- USS WHIDBEY ISLAND's Newly revised website (still in progress)