The Robert E. Simanek is the fifth Montford Point-class expeditionary sea base and the first ship in the U.S. Navy named in honor of Marine Corps Private First Class Robert E. Simanek, Ret., who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War.

October 21, 2022 The keel authentication ceremony for the ESB 7 was held at the General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego, California.

May 4, 2024 The Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Robert E. Simanek was christened during a 9 a.m. PDT ceremony at NASSCO shipyard. Ann Simanek Clark, the daughter of the ship's namesake, served as sponsor.

June 7, PCU Robert E. Simanek was recently launched and moored at Berth 6 on NASSCO shipyard; Underway for Builder's (Alpha) trials from Aug. 14-16; Moved to Berth 2 in NASSCO shipyard on Sept. 11.

September 12, U.S. Navy officially accepted delivery of the future USS Robert E. Simanek during a brief ceremony aboard the ship.

December 4, PCU Robert E. Simanek moved from NASSCO shipyard to Berth 6, Pier 2 on Naval Base San Diego; Moored at Navy Fuel Farm (NFF) in Naval Base Point Loma for a brief stop to refuel before underway again on Dec. 17.

December 21, The Robert E. Simanek moored at Berth 312, Swan Island Ship Repair Yard in Port of Portland, Ore., just after midnight, for a Post Shakedown Availability (PSA); Underway on Feb. 17.

February 21, 2025 PCU Robert E. Simanek moored at Berth 5, Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal in Port of San Diego; Moved to Coronado's Anchorage 172 on Feb. 23; Moored at Berth 5, Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal again on Feb. 25; Moved "dead-stick" to NFF for a brief stop to refuel on Feb. 27; Underway again on March 3; Anchored at A-172 from March 3-12.

March 28, PCU Robert E. Simanek anchored off the coast of Valparaiso, Chile, for a four-day port call; Anchored off Punta Arenas, Chile, after transited the Strait of Magellan eastbound, from April 5-8.