The John L. Canley is the fourth Montford Point-class expeditionary sea base and the first ship in the U.S. Navy named in honor of Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley (1937-2022), who received the Medal of Honor 50 years after his actions in the Battle of Hue City, South Vietnam, in January and February 1968, while assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

April 30, 2022 The keel authentication ceremony for the ESB 6 was held at the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego, California.

June 25, The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) John L. Canley was christened during a 9 a.m. PDT ceremony at NASSCO shipyard. Ms. Patricia Sargent, the daughter of ship's namesake, served as sponsor. Capt. Thomas A. Mays is the prospective commanding officer.

June 27, The John L. Canley was recently launched and moored at Berth 6 on NASSCO shipyard; Underway for Builder's (Alpha) trials from Jan. 11-13, 2023.

March 1, U.S. Navy officially accepted delivery of the future USS John L. Canley during a short ceremony aboard the ship.

April 6, PCU John L. Canley moored at Navy Fuel Farm (NFF) on Naval Base Point Loma for a brief stop to refuel before underway for Bravo trials in the SOCAL Op. Area; Moored at Berth 6 in NASSCO shipyard on April 12; Moved to Berth 5, Pier 3 in Naval Base San Diego on May 1; Underway again from June 21-23 and June 26-29.

June 30, Vigor Marine LLC was awarded a $20,2 million contract (N3220523C4083) for a four-month Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) of the John L. Canley. Work is expected to be completed by Jan. 17, 2024.

July 3, The John L. Canley moored at NFF on Naval Base Point Loma for a brief stop to refuel before underway en route to Hawaii; Moored at Wharf K3/K5 in Pearl Harbor from July 11-24, July 27- Aug. 9 and Aug. 11; Moved to Pier H4 for a brief stop to refuel on Aug. 15; Underway again on Aug. 30; Moored at Wharf K3/K5 from Sept. 1-6.

September 14, PCU John L. Canley moored at Berth 6, Pier 2 on Naval Base San Diego; Underway again on Sept. 15; Moored at Berth 312, Swan Island Ship Repair Yard in Port of Portland, Ore., on Sept. 20.