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.