The Denver (LPD 9) is the sixth ship in the Austin-class amphibious transport docks and the third ship in the United States Navy to bear the name of an american pioneer and the capital of the state of Colorado. The keel was laid down on February 7, 1964, at Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle, Wash. She was christened and launched on January 23, 1965. Mrs. John Love, wife of the Governor of Colorado, served as sponsor of the ship. Capt. Herbert W. Carr is the prospective commanding officer.

October 26, 1968 USS Denver was commissioned during a ceremony at Seattle, Wash.

In January 1969, the Denver arrived at its new homeport of Long Beach, California. In April, visited Acapulco, Mexico, for rest and relaxation.

January 6, 1989 Capt. Nigel E. Parkhurst relieved Capt. Wirt R. Fladd as the 13th CO LPD 9.

January 12, USS Denver departed San Diego for a scheduled western Pacific deployment as part of the USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) ARG.

January 21, The amphibious transport dock arrived in Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a five-day port call. Inport White Beach, Okinawa, for onload from Feb. 9-12; Offload in Pohang, ROK, from Feb. 14-15; Inport Okinawa from Feb. 17-18; Offload in Pohang fon Feb. 20; Port call to Busan from Feb. 21-25; Anchored in Buckner Bay, Okinawa, on Feb. 27; Inport White Beach Naval Facility from Feb. 28- March 1; Anchored in Buckner Bay from March 1-2; Anchored off Pohang from March 7-9 to embark ROK Marines for exercise Team Spirit '89.

March 21, USS Denver pulled into Naval Base Sasebo, Japan, for a four-day port call. Anchored off Pohang on March 26 to backload Marines; Inport White Beach from March 28- April 1.

April 6, The Denver pulled into Naval Station Subic Bay, Philippines, for a 20-day upkeep. Inport White Beach from May 1-2; Brief stop in Pohang for backload on March 4; Offload in White Beach from May 7-8; Inport Pohang again from May 10-12; Disembarked KITP 1/5 and embarked 35th MEU in White Beach for exercise Valiant Mark 89-4, from May 14-15; Inport Subic Bay from May 20-21.

May 23, LPD 9 moored to a bouy in Victoria Harbour for a five-day port visit to Hong Kong. Inport White Beach, Okinawa, for off/onload from June 3-4; Anchored off Numazu, Japan, on June 7 to disembark Marines for Fuji Deplyment 89-3; Inport Naval Base Yokosuka from June 8-18; Brief stop in Okinawa on June 20; Inport Naha, Japan, from June 21-22; Port call to Pearl Harbor from July 3-5.

July 12, USS Denver returned to Naval Station San Diego after a six-month deployment.

From July 31- Aug. 1, the Denver was anchored off Coronado for ammunition offload with the USS Cleveland (LPD 7). Anchored off Coronado on Aug. 2 to embark Dependent's for a Day Cruise; Moored at La Playa Pier on Aug. 3 to offload fuel; Ammo offload at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Calif., on Aug. 4.

August 14, USS Denver entered the Southwest Marine shipyard for a three-month Drydocking Planned Maintenance Availability (DPMA). In dry-dock from Aug. 22 through Sept. 17; Underway for sea trials from Oct. 21-22; Underway for local operations from Dec. 4-5; Underway for amphibious operations off Camp Pendleton with the 2nd Bn, 9th Marines from Dec. 13-15; Underway for law enforcement operations with Coast Guard detachment from Dec. 18-23.

From January 22-24, 1990, the Denver was underway for Independent Steaming Exercises (ISE) in the SOCAL Op. Area. Underway for ammo onload with the USS Duluth (LPD 6) from Jan. 29-31; Underway again from Feb. 19- March 6; Inport San Francisco from Feb. 24-26; Underway for PHIBEX from March 12-16; Underway for OPPRE Preps. and Operational Propulsion Plant ReExamination (OPPRE) from March 19-3; Underway for SACEX/PHIBEX from April 9-23.

April 27, USS Denver departed San Diego to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. Inport Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from May 11-17; Anchored off Camp Pendleton on May 24 for offload; Underway for law enforcement operations off Baja California on May 25; Returned home on June 4.

June 29, The amphibious transport dock anchored off Santa Barbara, Calif., for a 10-day port visit. Underway for Refresher Training (REFTRA) from Aug. 20-25 and 27-31st; Underway for PHIBREFTRA from Sept. 17-18; Underway in support of exercise Kernel Usher from Sept. 20- Oct. 1; Underway for local operations from Oct. 22-26; Underway for sea trials on Nov. 20-21; Underway for a Dependent's Day Cruise on Nov. 21.

December 1, USS Denver departed homeport for a surge Middle East deployment as part of a 13 ship Amphibious Task Force, the largest Amphibious Force to depart the West Coast since the Korean War. Inport Pearl Harbor from Dec. 8-10.

December 27, The Denver pulled into Subic Bay for a routine port call.

April 5, 1991 Capt. James A. Hough relieved Capt. Nigel E. Parkhurst as commanding officer of Denver.

June 30, USS Denver returned to San Diego after a seven-month combat deployment in support of Operation Desert Storm (ODS).

January 21, 1992 The Denver returned to Naval Station San Diego after a three-month maintenance availability at the Southwest Marine shipyard. Underway for sea trials from Feb. 11-14; Underway for local operations from Feb. 24-28 and March 2-6.

March 16, USS Denver departed homeport for law enforcement operations off the coast of Panama. Inport Naval Station Rodman from April 10-15; Underway in the Gulf of Fonseca through April 28; Port visit to Mazatlan, Mexico, from April 28- May 2; Returned home on May 5; Underway for local operations from June 9-12, 23-24 and June 29- July 2; Underway in support of exercise Tundem Thrust, with the USS Bellea Wood, from July 10-14; Underway for local operations from July 16-18.

July 24, Capt. Clarence W. Burck relieved Capt. James A. Hough as CO of USS Denver.

From Aug. 13-14, LPD 9 was underway for Pre-INSURV in the SOCAL Op. Area. Underway for INSURV assessment on Aug. 18; Underway for local operations from Sept. 23-25 and Sept. 28- Oct. 2; Underway for OPPE Preps. from Oct. 14-23.

February 4, 1993 USS Denver returned to Naval Station San Diego after a three-month Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA) at the Southwest Marine shipyard. Underway for sea trials from Feb. 10-11; Underway for COMPTUEX 93-11M from March 2-9; Ammo onload at Seal Beach from March 16-18; Underway for TSTA IV from March 22- April 2; Underway again on April 8.

April 9, The amphibious transport dock pulled into Naval Station Treasure Island in San Francisco, Calif., for a two-week training availability. Returned home on April 30; Underway for routine training from May 6-7.

May 28, Capt. Arthur J. Gilbert relieved Capt. Clarence W. Burck as the 16th CO of LPD 9.

From June 1-9, the Denver was underway for a Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) 93-14M; Underway for FLLETEX 93-1M from June 18- July 1; Underway for ammo onload at Seal Beach from July 19-23.

September 3, USS Denver departed San Diego for a scheduled western Pacific deployment as part of the USS New Orleans (LPH 11) ARG.

September 24, LPD 9 moored at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, for a three-day port call. Port visit to Hong Kong from Sept. 29- Oct. 3.

October 18, USS Denver arrived off the coast of Mogadishu, Somalia, in support of Operation Restore Hope.

December 23, The Denver pulled into Victoria, Seychelles, for a four-day port visit. Anchored off Mogadishu through February 2, 1994; Port calls to Singapore (Feb. 12-16); Hong Kong (Feb. 21-23); and Pearl Harbor (March 9-10).

March 18, USS Denver returned to homeport after six-and-a-half month deployment.

From April 25-29, the Denver was underway for amphibious operations off Camp Pendleton. Underway for ammo offload at Seal Beach from May 2-5.

May 9, USS Denver entered the floating dry-dock at Southwest Marine shipyard for a five-month Drydocking Planned Maintenance Availability (DPMA). Departed dry-dock on June 17; Returned to Naval Station San Diego on Sept. 9; Underway for sea trials from Oct. 26-27; Underway for ammo onload from Oct. 28- Nov. 2; Underway for TSTA I from Dec. 12-16; Underway for a three-week TSTA II on Feb. 6, 1995; Underway for OPPE Preps. from March 13-17 and April 19-21; Underway for OPPE from April 25-27; Underway for TSTA IV on May 8.

May 26, Capt. William F. Hopper relieved Capt. Arthur J. Gilbert as CO of the Denver.

May 30, The amphibious transport dock departed homeport for a Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) III. Underway again from June 5-11; Underway for FEP from June 20-22; Underway for COMPTUEX and ammo onload from 6-14; Underway for COMPTUEX 95-17M from July 17-21; Underway for FLEETEX from Aug. 28- Sept. 1; Completed JTFEX on Sept. 13; Underway for sea trials and Dependent's Cruise from Nov. 7-8.

November 13, USS Denver departed for its 15th major deployment, with the USS Peleliu (LHA 5) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 15th MEU, in support of operation Southern Watch.

December 1, LPD 9 pulled into White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, for a routine port call. Port visit to Singapore from Dec. 13-17.

December 27, USS Denver pulled into Jebel Ali, U.A.E., for a 10-day port call.

January 17, 1996 The Denver arrived again in Jebel Ali for a six-day port call after supporting exercises Iron Siren and Iron Magic. Inport Kuwait City from Feb. 1-4 to offload vechiles; Anchored off Kuwait Naval Base for backload from Feb. 11-14; Upkeep in Manama, Bahrain, from Feb. 18-26; Inport Kuwait City from Feb. 27- March 1; Port call to Jebel Ali from March 5-8.

March 10, USS Denver arrived in Muscat, Oman, for a four-day port visit. Inport Jebel Ali from March 18-22.

April 2, The amphibious transport dock pulled into Port Klang, Malaysia, for a three-day visit to Kuala Lumpur. Port call to Manila, Philippines, from April 10-13; Port visit to Hong Kong from April 15-19; Inport Pearl Harbor from May 3-5.

May 13, USS Denver returned to San Diego after a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AoR.

July 11, LPD 9 departed homeport for CNO cpecial project 779-01 at the Nanoose test range off British Columbia. Port call to Esquimalt, Canada, from July 19-22; Inport Naval Station Everett, Wash., from July 23-26; Returned home on July 29; Underway for Pre-INURV from Sept. 24-25; Underway for ammo offload at Seal Beach from Sept. 30- Oct. 4.

October 11, The Denver entered the Southwest Marine shipyard for a four-and-a-half month Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA).

February 14, 1997 USS Denver returned to Naval Station San Diego. Underway for sea trials from Feb. 26-27.

March 7, Capt. Douglas K. Dupouy relieved Capt. William F. Hopper as CO of the USS Denver during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

From March 25-27, LPD 9 was underway for local operations. Underway for TSTA I from May 5-7, 13-16, 20 and 22-23rd; Underway in support of exericse Kernel Blitz from June 16-30; Underway for TSTA II from July 15-18, 24-25 and 28-30th; Underway for ECERT from July 31- Aug. 1; Underway for routine training from Aug. 4-6; Underway for TSTA III from Aug. 27-29; Underway for FEP from Sept. 3-5; Underway for ammo onload at Seal Beach from Sept. 8-12.

September 19, USS Denver departed San Diego to recover Marine Construction Batalion from Annette Island, Alaska. Anchored at Alaskan Road on Sept. 24; Inport Ketchikan for safe havan due to bad weather from Sept. 25-28; Returned home on Oct. 1; Underway for COMPTUEX on Oct. 6.

October 11, The Denver moored at Pier 27 in San Francisco, Calif., for a five-day Fleet Week celebration. Returned to San Diego on Oct. 22; Underway for FLEETEX from Nov. 4-15; Underway for Special Operations Capable (SOC) Certification from Dec. 2-12.

February 7, 1998 USS Denver departed homeport, five days earlier than scheduled, for a Middle East deployment as part of the USS Tarawa (LHA 1) ARG.

March 11, The Tarawa Amphibious Ready Group arrived in the Arabian Gulf to relieve USS Guam (LPH 9) ARG. Port call to Manama, Bahrain, from March 12-16.

From March 17 through April 15, the Denver was inport Kuwait City for exercises with the Kuwait Military forces.

April 25, LPD 9 pulled into Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for an eight-day port call after participating in exercise Eastern Maverick off Qatar. Anchored off Mitsawa, Eritrea, from May 6-8.

May 14, USS Denver moored at Aqaba Naval Base, Jordan, to participate in exercise Infinite Moonlight. Underway in the Gulf of Aqaba from May 26-28; Inport Aqaba again for backload and agricultural washdowns from May 28- June 8; Underway off the coast of Eritrea in support of Operation Safe Departure through June 17.

June 28, The Denver anchored off the coast of Phuket, Thailand, for a three-day of liberty. Brief stop in Singapore from July 3-6; Port visit to Hong Kong from July 10-15; Inport Naval Station Pearl Harbor from July 27-31.

August 7, USS Denver returned to San Diego after a six-month deployment in support of Operation Desert Shield.

September 9, The amphibious transport dock moored at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach to offload ammunition. Returned home on Sept. 11.

September 18, Capt. Charles F. Webber relieved Capt. Douglas K. Dupouy as CO of the Denver.

September 30, USS Denver entered the Southwest Marine shipyard for a two-month Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA). Underway for sea trials from Dec. 2-3; Underway for Type Training from Dec. 15-17 and Jan. 12-14, 1999; Underway for CART II Preps. from Jan. 19-22; Underway for FEP rehearsal from Feb. 1-2; Underway for CART II on Feb. 9 and 11-12th; Underway for Limited Type Training from March 2-9; Underway for FEP from March 17-18; Underway for AST from March 22-26.

From April 19-29, the Denver was underway in support of annual amphibious exercise Kernel Blitz, off the coast of southern California.

May 7, USS Denver anchored off Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a four-day port visit.

July 17, LPD 9 departed Naval Station San Diego for a Friends and Family Day Cruise. Underway for Y2K exercise and ISE from Aug. 9-19; Underway for ammo onload from Sept. 7-10; Underway for COMPTUEX from Sept. 20- Oct. 1; Underway for ARGEX/SOCEX from Dec. 6-17.

On January 24, 2000, USS Denver departed Naval Station San Diego for a scheduled six-month deployment as part of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) ARG. Her first mission was to support peacekeeping and humanitarian operations of the international forces in East Timor. While in the Arabian Gulf she joined other forces of the 5th Fleet in support of Operation Southern Watch. Port visits included Darwin, Australia; Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Doha, Qatar; Jebel Ali, U.A.E.; Muscat, Oman; Penang, Malaysia; and Hong Kong.

July 13, The Denver was preparing to receive fuel from the USNS Yukon (T-AO 202), about 180 miles west of Oahu, Hawaii, when a crash between the two vessels occurred early that evening. No one was injured, but the Yukon sustained heavy damage to its right side. The amphibious transport dock was confined to the bow.

July 24, Capt. Stephen G. Squires relieved Capt. Charles F. Webber as CO of the Denver during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship at sea, just before its return to San Diego.

From January 23-25, 2001, the Denver was underway for sea trials after a four-month Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA). Underway for routine training from Feb. 13-16 and Feb. 21-23; Underway in support of exercise Kernel Blitz from March 26- April 5; Underway again on May 1.

May 4, LPD 9 anchored off Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for a five-day port visit. Returned home on May 11.

From May 22-25, USS Denver was underway for Command Assessment of Readiness and Training (CART) II in the SOCAL Op. Area. Underway for Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) I from June 19-22 and 26-29th; Underway for TSTA II and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) from Aug. 3-10; Underaway for Pre-INSURV from Sept. 12-14; Underway for a Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment on Sept. 19; Underway for sea trials from Nov. 14-16 after a seven-week Intermediate Maintenance Availability (IMAV); Underway for Amphibious Specialty Training (AST) from Nov. 28- Dec. 6; Ammo onload at Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach from Dec. 18-20.

January 19, 2002 USS Denver departed Naval Station San Diego for a Friends and Family Day Cruise. Underway for Intermediate Amphibious Readiness Training (IART) from Jan. 22- Feb 1; Underway Demonstration (UD) from Feb. 20-25; Underway for COMPTUEX from March 11-22; Underway for Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) from April 1-10; Undferway for Special Operations Capable (SOC) Certification from April 29 through May 10.

May 23, Capt. Bradley E. Johanson relieved Capt. Stephen G. Squires as the 21st CO of Denver.

June 13, The amphibious transport dock departed homeport for a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

June 15, USS Denver departed San Diego for a scheduled deployment as part of the USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 11th MEU.

June 21, LPD 9 pulled into Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a four-day port call.

July 19, The Denver moored at Changi Naval Base in Singapore fo a four-day port visit.

From August 4-6, USS Denver conducted amphibious operations off Djibouti in support of Operations Enduring Freedom.

August 12, The amphibious transport dock moored at Aqaba Naval Base in Jordan to offload Marines and vechiles in support of exercise Infinite Moonlight. Underway on Aug. 20; Inport Aqaba again from Sept. 1-8 for backload.

September 19, The Denver moored at Mina Salman Pier in Manama, Bahrain, for a four-day port call.

September 24, USS Denver pulled into Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait, to offload Marines in supporet of exercise Eager Mace. Underway on Sept. 30; Inport Ash Shuaybah again from Oct. 12-18 for backload; Port call to Manama from Oct. 20-24.

November 12, LPD 9 arrived in Darwin, Australia, for a three-day port call to onload supplies.

From Nov. 17-20, the Denver was underway off the coast of East Timor in support of hummanitarian Operation Handsclap. Port visit to Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, from Nov. 25-28.

December 6, The amphibious transport dock arrived in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a brief port call to refule and embark "Tigers." Offload off Camp Pendleton from Dec. 13-14.

December 15, USS Denver returned to Naval Station San Diego after a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AoR.

September 4, 2003 While underway in late August in the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) sea test range off Point Mugu, Calif., the Denver successfully commanded the U.S. Navy’s Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to launch, maneuver and land for the first time.

December 15, Capt. Todd A. Zecchin relieved Capt. Bradley E. Johanson as CO of USS Denver.

January 17, 2004 The Denver pulled into Mazatlan, Mexico, for a three-day port visit. Ammo onload at NWS sEal Beach, Calif., from Feb. 10-11; Underway for "Leaders to Sea" program and routine training from Feb. 18-20; Underway for Group Sail from Feb. 27- March 2; Underway for COMPTUEX from March 14-28.

May 27, USS Denver departed Naval Station San Diego for a surge deployment, as part of the USS Belleau Wood Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and the 11th MEU, in support of the Global War on Terrorism.

June 3, The amphibious transport dock pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a four-day port call. Entered the Arabian Gulf on July 5; Offload Marines off Kuwait naval base from July 6-10.

July 13, LPD 9 moored at Mina Salman Pier in Manama, Bahrain, for a six-day port call. Conducted Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in support of OIF through Aug. 3; Departed Arabian Gulf on Aug. 4; Port visit to Muscat, Oman, from Aug. 7-11; Inport Djibouti from Aug. 17-18; Supported Operation Enduring Freedom through Sept. 9.

September 22, USS Denver anchored off Phuket, Thailand, for a three-day of liberty.

October 11, The Denver arrived in Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a week-long port visit. No. 2 Boiler exploded on Oct. 13 while attempting to equalize load between online boiler, No. 1, and oncoming boiler, No. 2. Evaluation reveled damage to Boiler #2 uptakes, resulting in the maximum speed of 12 knots en route home.

October 26, USS Denver returned to homeport after a five-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

March 11, 2005 The Denver anchored off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif., to host two receptions March 4 and 6, as well as participate in a variety of community events in support of the Navy League of the United States, Santa Barbara Council.

April 27, USS Denver commenced a seven-month Drydocking Planned Maintenance Availability (DPMA).

May 20, Cmdr. William L. Cone, Jr., relieved Capt. Todd A. Zecchin as commanding officer of LPD 9.

From March 7-10, 2006, the Denver was underway in the SOCAL Op. Area for TSTA I. Underway for TSTA II from March 14-17; Underway for TSTA III from April 3-7; Underway for routine training from April 12-13; Underway for Amphibious Specialty Training (AST) from April 19-21; Underway for FEP from April 27-28.

From June 16 through Aug. 2, USS Denver was underway for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006 exercise.

October 20, Capt. Joseph M. Clarkson relieved Cmdr. William L. Cone, Jr., as CO of the Denver.

January 22, 2007 USS Denver is currently underway off the coast of southern California for Expeditionary Strike Group Integrated Training (ESGINT) Exercice, in preparation for the upcoming deployment with the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) ESG-5.

February 20, The amphibious transport dock is currently underway for a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in the SOCAL Op. Area.

April 10, USS Denver departed San Diego for a scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism and Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

May 1, LPD 9 departed Apra Harbor, Guam, after a three-day port call. Inport Singapore from May 9-12.

June 28, USS Denver provided medical assistance to a Panamanian-flagged merchant motor vessel Green Vile 2, in distress in the Arabian Gulf, while conducting maritime operations in the 5th Fleet AoR.

August 13, The Denver recently departed Jebel Ali, U.A.E., after a scheduled port visit.

August 30, USS Denver provided medical assistance to a Qatari-flagged dhow, Al Junbi, while conducting MSO in the Central Arabian Gulf.

October 21, LPD 9 departed Fremantle, Australia, after a five-day visit to Perth.

November 19, USS Denver returned to Naval Base San Diego after a seven-month deployment.

April 4, 2008 Capt. Dennis C. Mikeska relieved Capt. Joseph M. Clarkson as the 25th CO of USS Denver.

June 26, USS Denver recently arrived in its new homeport of Fleet Activities Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, for a hull swap with the USS Juneau (LPD 10). The two ships will stay stern to stern in the Sasebo port for about three weeks while new equipment and data is transferred and the crews get accustomed to new equipment. A small group of Sailors that came with the Denver will stay as part of the crew and the rest will ride the Juneau back to the States for decommissioning.

July 10, Capt. Kent D. Whalen assumed command of the USS Denver during an exchange of command and crew ("hull swap") ceremony with USS Juneau at Sasebo Naval Base.

September 22, LPD 9 recently departed Sasebo for a fall patrol as part of the Essex (LHD 2) ARG.

November 4, USS Denver arrived off the coast of Pohang, ROK, for this year's Korean Interoperability Training Program (KITP).

December 2, The Denver returned to Japan after a two-and-a-half month underway period.

January 22, 2009 Capt. Gregory J. Fenton relieved Capt. Kent D. Whalen as CO of LPD 9.

March 23, The amphibious transport dock is currently in port undergoing a scheduled Selected Restricted Availability (SRA).

June 10, USS Denver departed homeport for a routine sumnmer patrol in support of exercise Talisman Sabre '09.

July 5, The Denver departed Townsville, Australia, after an eight-day port visit.

July 28, USS Denver moored at Hamilton Wharf in Brisbane, Australia, for a three-day port visit.

August 17, USS Denver arrived off the coast of southern Taiwan to help re-supply remote towns cut off Aug. 7 by Typhoon Morako, which claimed about 500 lives on the island and caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage. The ship is carrying two MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 14 Det. 1, based at Pohang, South Korea, which will carry supplies to isolated mountainous areas.

August 28, The Denver recently pulled into Tokyo to participate in a Metropolitan government disaster relief drill with the Japan Self-Defense Force and local governments.

September 23, USS Denver departed Sasebo, Japan, for an annual Fall Patrol.

October 8, LPD 9 arrived off the coast of Padang, Indonesia, to provide humanitarian assistance after and 7.6 magnitude earthquake hits the island of Sumatra Sept. 30.

November 2, The Denver Amphibious Task Group is currently participating in annual bilateral Korean Integrated Training Program (KITP) exercise, in the East China Sea.

November 13, USS Denver recently returned home after completing the western Pacific patrol.

December 16, The amphibious transport dock entered the Dry Dock #5 at SSK Shipyard in Sasebo for repairs on a rudder damaged during the last deployment.

January 23, 2010 USS Denver recently departed homeport for a routine Spring Patrol, as part of the Essex ARG.

February 15, LPD 9 pulled into Laem Chabang, Thailand, for a scheduled port visit after successful completion of Cobra Gold 2010, a joint and coalition multinational exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand.

June 17, Capt. Mario Mifsud relieved Capt. Gregory J. Fenton as CO of the Denver during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship. The amphibious transport dock is currently at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a scheduled training availability.

August 21, USS Denver departed Sasebo for a Fall Patrol as part of the Essex ARG. Inport Fleet Activities Yokosuka for Tokyo Municipal Government's Disaster Preparedness Drill from Aug. 25-31.

September 7, The Denver departed White Beach Naval Facility at Okinawa after on-loading elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

September 12, USS Denver anchored off the coast of Incheon, Republic of Korea, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historical amphibious landing at the city and honor the long-standing alliance between the two nations. Inport White Beach again from Sept. 21-24.

October 1, LPD 9 is currently participating in annual bilateral amphibious training exercise Habu Nag 2010, between the United States and India, off the coast of Okinawa.

November 16, The amphibious transport dock arrived in Hong Kong for a scheduled port visit. Brief stop at Okinawa on Nov. 23.

November 25, USS Denver returned to Sasebo to celebrate the Thanksgiving Day before taking part in a joint-bilateral exercise Keen Sword 2011. Underway again on Nov. 30; Inport White Beach, Okinawa, from Dec. 3-5, 8 and 11-12th; Returned home on Dec. 15.

January 25, 2011 USS Denver departed Fleet Activities Sasebo for an annual Spring Patrol, as part of the Essex ARG.

January 29, The Denver departed White Beach Naval Facility at Okinawa after on-loading elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

February 25, USS Denver departed Laem Chabang, Thailand, after a four-day port call.

March 4, LPD 9 recently arrived at Okinawa to offload elements of the 31st MEU that will continue deployment aboard the USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Returned home on March 9.

From July 24-25, the Denver was underway for local operations. Underway again from July 26-30, August 8-15 and Sept. 6-7.

September 21, USS Denver departed Fleet Activities Sasebo for a Fall Patrol as part of the USS Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). Inport White Beach, Okinawa, from Sept. 23-26.

October 18, Capt. Michael A. Wettlaufer relieved Capt. Mario Mifsud as CO of the Denver during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship at sea.

October 22, USS Denver pulled into Subic Bay, Philippines, to participate in a bilateral Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2012. Returned home on Nov. 11.

February 14, 2012 USS Denver departed Sasebo for an annual Spring Patrol. Inport White Beach, Okinawa, from March 2-5.?

April 4, The Denver pulled into White Beach Naval Facility after recently participating in exercise Foal Eagle 2012, off the coast of Korea, as part of USS Essex ARG.

April 10, USS Denver arrived in Subic Bay to offload Marines and equipment in support of exercise Balikatan 2012.

May 6, USS Denver returned to homeport after a nearly three-month underway period. Underway for local operations from June 28- July 2.

July 16, The amphibious transport dock arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a four-day port call. Returned to Sasebo after a two-week underway on July 27; Underway for local operations from July 30-31.

August 29, USS Denver departed Sasebo for a Fall Patrol as part of the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) ARG. Brief stop at White Beach, Okinawa, on Sept. 5.

October 5, The Denver pulled into Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, for a three-day port call before participating in at-sea phase of exercise PHIBLEX 2013. Inport Subic Bay again from Oct. 17-20.

October 22, USS Denver moored at Sepanggar Naval Base for a four-day port visit to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

October 30, LPD 9 anchored in Victoria Harbour for a three-day port visit to Hong Kong.

November 6, Capt. Kevin P. Lenox relieved Capt. Michael A. Wettlaufer as CO of the Denver during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship at White Beach Naval Facility. The ship arrived in Okinawa on Nov. 5 in preparation for Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX), the maritime component of the biennial exercise Keen Sword 2013.

November 17, USS Denver returned to Fleet Activities Sasebo after completing its western Pacific patrol.

From March 2-11, 2013, the amphibious transport dock was underway for local operations.

June 25, LPD 9 departed Sasebo for routine training. Brief stop at Yokosuka on June 28; Anchored off White Beach, Okinawa, from June 30; Returned home on July 1; Underway for local operations from July 8-10.

July 12, USS Denver departed homeport for a Summer Patrol as part of the USS Bonhomme Richard ARG.

July 17, The Denver recently moored at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, for onload.

July 29, USS Denver moored at Pinkenba Wheat Terminal in Brisbane, Australia, for a three-day port visit before participating in a biennial joint exercise Talisman Sabre 2013.

August 8, An MV-22 Osprey landed on the flight deck of LPD 9 in the Coral Sea, marking the first Osprey launch and landing in Denver's history.

August 22, USS Denver pulled into Darwin, Australia, for a four-day port visit after completed Certification Exercise (CERTEX) in the Coral Sea. The elements of 31st MEU will participate in exercise Koolendong 2013, at the Bradshaw Field Training Area south-west of Darwin, from Aug. 28 through Sept. 7.

August 27, LPD 9 anchored off the coast of Dili, Timor-Leste, for a four-day port visit. Inport Darwin again for liberty visit from Sept. 3-8 and a backload from Sept. 10-12; Inport Okinawa, Japan, from Sept. 21-23 and Oct. 11-14.

October 16, USS Denver returned to Sasebo after a three-month underway period.

October 24, Capt. Michael P. Donnelly relieved Capt. Kevin P. Lenox as the 31st commanding officer of Denver.

January 27, 2014 USS Denver departed Fleet Activities Sasebo for its last Spring Patrol as part of the USS Bonhomme Richard ARG. Underway in Sagami Wan through Feb. 1.

February 3, The amphibious transport dock recently moored at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, for onload.

February 12, USS Denver anchored off the coast of Royal Thai Navy installation in Sattahip for offload to participate in a multinational training exercise Cobra Gold 2014 through Feb. 16. Departed Gulf of Thailand on Feb. 18; Transited Strait of Luzon of Feb. 21; Inport White Beach, Okinawa, from Feb. 23-27 and March 6-8; Upkeep in Sasebo from March 13-19.

March 29, The Denver anchored off Pohang, Republic of Korea, to participate in annual combined exercise Ssang Yong.

April 27, USS Denver moored at Berth 3, Juliet Basin Wharf in Sasebo after a three-month underway period.

August 7, LPD 9 moored at Berth B21 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, after a 15-day transit from Sasebo, Japan.

August 14, USS Denver held a decommissioning ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, after a nearly 46-years of active service.

September 18, USS Denver was officially decommissioned and towed to Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility at Middle Loch, Pearl Harbor, for reserve status.

July 22, 2022 The ex-USS Denver was sunk during a sinking exercise (SINKEX), as part of a multinational exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022, approximately 50 n.m. northwest of Kauai, Hawaii.