An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


News Stories
U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC)

USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44) arrives in Portsmouth ahead of Steadfast Defender

by Task Force 61/2 Public Affairs
08 February 2024

The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operates in the Atlantic Ocean.
The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operates in the Atlantic Ocean. Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa. (Courtesy Photo)
The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operates in the Atlantic Ocean.
USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) Operates At-Sea
The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), assigned to the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), operates in the Atlantic Ocean. Gunston Hall is on a scheduled deployment under the command and control of Task Force 61/2 while operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet in support of U.S., allied and partner interests in Europe and Africa. (Courtesy Photo)
Photo By: Courtesy Photo
VIRIN: 220419-N-NO901-1001

USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44), a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship arrived in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Feb. 8, 2024 for a scheduled port visit prior to their participation in Exercise Steadfast Defender 24.

Exercise Steadfast Defender will involve approximately 90,000 forces from 31 Allies and Sweden. The exercise will validate NATO’s ability to deploy forces rapidly from North America and other parts of the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe, and to showcase NATO’s ability to conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of miles, and in any conditions, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe.

"The Gunston Hall and her team are looking forward to building on the strong strategic relationships we have established in NATO,” said Cmdr. Christopher W. Van Loenen, commanding officer, Gunston Hall. “We are excited to have our partners and allies embarked on our ship throughout Steadfast Defender 2024, showcasing interoperability and our ship to shore capabilities."

This is the first port call for Gunston Hall following its departure from Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 24.  During Steadfast Defender, Gunston Hall will participate in Exercises Joint Warrior and Nordic Response. The Gunston Hall arrived in the Sixth Fleet area of operations on Feb. 1.

Gunston Hall is one of the most versatile amphibious platforms in the U.S. Navy. With two large helicopter landing pads, the largest well deck in the fleet and troop berthing facilities, she has the ability to embark a diverse array of military forces, including NATO Allies and partners when needed.  The U.S. ship is among more than 50 NATO naval assets, 80 air platforms, and 1,100 combat vehicles participating in Steadfast Defender.  This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NATO Alliance, and the exercise is the largest NATO exercise in 36 years. 

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the USEUCOM and USAFRICOM areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.


 
Navy.mil  |  Navy.com  |  Navy FOIA  | USFF FOIA DoD Accessibility/Section 508  |  No Fear Act  |  Open Government  |  Plain Writing Act 
USA.gov  |  Veterans Crisis Line  |  VA Vet Center  |  FVAP  |   DoD Safe Helpline  |  Navy SAPR  |  NCIS Tips  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Contact US
 
Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command   |   1562 Mitscher Ave., Suite 250   |   Norfolk, Virginia 23551-2487
Official U.S. Navy Website
Veteran's Crisis Line