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.