USS Monticello (LSD 35)

USS MONITICELLO was the eighth and final THOMASTON - class dock landing ship and the third ship in the Navy named after the home of President Thomas Jefferson near Charlottesville Va., noted as a landmark in American domestic architecture, and designed by Jefferson himself. Decommissioned on October 1, 1985, and stricken from the Navy list on February 24, 1992, the MONTICELLO was subsequently laid up at the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet, Benicia, Calif. The MONTICELLO was sunk as a target during exercise RIMPAC 2010 off the coast of Kauai, Hi., on July 14, 2010.

Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS MONTICELLO. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

Date	Where	Events
September 1, 1968	South China Sea	At 12:17 a.m., during a formation maneuver, MONTICELLO and USS TRIPOLI (LPH 10) collided. No personnel were injured and the damage was sufficiently limited for both ships to continue operations.
February 5, 1970	Pacific	During an underway replenishment with the USS DENVER (LPD 9) and the USS KAWISHIWI (AO 146), the MONTICELLO made contact with the KAWISHIWI while approaching her starboard side. DENVER executed emergency breakaway procedures and no personnel or material casualties resulted on DENVER. The KAWISHIWI and MONTICELLO both received minor damage, but both ships were left capable of carrying out assigned missions and no personnel were injured. Underway replenishment was resumed after a short delay and completed without further incident. The Commanding Officer of the DENVER was directed to conduct an informal investigation of the incident by Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven.
February 16, 1979	off Pohang, South Korea	While anchored off Pohang and ballasting in preparation for amphibious operations, heavy swells placed severe loads on MONTICELLO's approximately 42-ton stern gate. The gate broke completely free from the ship. Because normal well-deck operations were impossible without it, MONTICELLO was ordered back to Yokosuka for repairs. After transiting by way of the Shimonoseki Strait, she reached Yokosuka on February 27.

Date

Where

Events

September 1, 1968

South China Sea

At 12:17 a.m., during a formation maneuver, MONTICELLO and USS TRIPOLI (LPH 10) collided. No personnel were injured and the damage was sufficiently limited for both ships to continue operations.

February 5, 1970

Pacific

During an underway replenishment with the USS DENVER (LPD 9) and the USS KAWISHIWI (AO 146), the MONTICELLO made contact with the KAWISHIWI while approaching her starboard side. DENVER executed emergency breakaway procedures and no personnel or material casualties resulted on DENVER. The KAWISHIWI and MONTICELLO both received minor damage, but both ships were left capable of carrying out assigned missions and no personnel were injured. Underway replenishment was resumed after a short delay and completed without further incident. The Commanding Officer of the DENVER was directed to conduct an informal investigation of the incident by Commander, Amphibious Squadron Seven.

February 16, 1979

off Pohang, South Korea

While anchored off Pohang and ballasting in preparation for amphibious operations, heavy swells placed severe loads on MONTICELLO's approximately 42-ton stern gate. The gate broke completely free from the ship. Because normal well-deck operations were impossible without it, MONTICELLO was ordered back to Yokosuka for repairs. After transiting by way of the Shimonoseki Strait, she reached Yokosuka on February 27.

USS MONTICELLO History:

USS MONTICELLO was laid down by Ingalls Shipbuilding Corporation at Pascagoula, Mississippi, on June 6, 1955, launched on August 10, 1956, and sponsored by Mrs. Harry R. Sheppard, wife of Representative Harry R. Sheppard of California. MONTICELLO was commissioned on March 29, 1957, with Captain J. T. Hodgson Jr. in command. Following fitting out, trials and initial training, the new ship proceeded to the Pacific and arrived at her homeport of San Diego, California, on May 27, 1957. There, she joined the Pacific Fleet Amphibious Force and began shakedown and amphibious-warfare training.

MONTICELLO spent much of her first year establishing operational readiness along the California coast, but in 1958 she became involved in a substantially different type of Pacific operation. She deployed to the Enewetak Proving Ground in connection with Operation Hardtack I, the extensive series of United States atmospheric nuclear tests conducted in the central Pacific. MONTICELLO was in the proving-ground area from April 18 through August 15, 1958, and was present for 34 of the operation's 35 nuclear tests. During the preparatory phase, she transported twelve mechanized landing craft and a Joint Task Force 7 barge from the continental United States to the test area. Between April 18 and April 22, she also transported the shot devices for the Sycamore and Poplar tests to Bikini before returning to Enewetak. Throughout the test period, MONTICELLO provided logistical support and maintained and fueled landing craft assigned to the task force boat pool. She departed Enewetak on August 15, three days before the final Hardtack I detonation, and returned toward Hawaii by way of Johnston Island. During 1959, she resumed more conventional amphibious duties, conducting major exercises that took her to Hawaii and Alaska. In these exercises, she frequently served as primary control ship, coordinating the movement of landing craft toward assault beaches.

On November 14, 1960, MONTICELLO left San Diego for a seven-month Western Pacific deployment with the Seventh Fleet. She carried part of a reinforced Marine battalion landing team and entered the western Pacific during the deteriorating political and military situation in Laos. During the deployment, the ship was alerted four times for possible contingency operations. Together with USS PAUL REVERE (APA 248) and four escorting destroyers, she operated in the South China Sea and Gulf of Siam while American forces remained positioned to respond if required. No American amphibious landing resulted from these alerts. MONTICELLO returned to San Diego in July 1961. In September, she participated in a joint Army, Navy and Air Force amphibious exercise at San Juan Island, Washington, before returning to the regular cycle of training, maintenance and amphibious exercises from San Diego.

MONTICELLO left San Diego again on February 18, 1962, as part of Joint Task Force 8 in support of Operation Dominic, the large United States nuclear-test program conducted in the Pacific that year. She initially transported cargo between San Diego and Christmas Island and subsequently served as a command ship during tests involving antisubmarine weapons. In June, she returned to Christmas Island to assist in closing down elements of the test operation. Instead of immediately returning to California, she continued westward for another Seventh Fleet deployment. The cruise included a major amphibious exercise at Okinawa before MONTICELLO returned to San Diego in early December 1962. Maintenance, training with Marines from Camp Pendleton and refresher exercises followed.

During 1963, MONTICELLO maintained an active training schedule while also undergoing a substantial shipyard period. From March 2 through March 9, she participated in Exercise Steel Gate off Southern California. On April 3, she entered the Bethlehem Steel yard at San Pedro for an overhaul that continued until June 17. Refresher training occupied much of July and August. From September 17 through September 28, she participated in Exercise Merit Badge off Southern California, and from November 4 through November 15, she conducted Amphibious Squadron Five training. This period also included a three-day visit to San Francisco.

On January 24, 1964, Captain David F. Loomis relieved Captain Harold H. Ellison as commanding officer. Four days later, on January 28, MONTICELLO departed San Diego for another Seventh Fleet deployment as part of an amphibious ready group. During the cruise, she participated in Exercise Backpack and in the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization exercise Ligtas and visited ports including Hong Kong, Manila, Subic Bay, Buckner Bay on Okinawa, Kaohsiung and Yokosuka. After beginning her return voyage from Yokosuka, she was ordered back to the Seventh Fleet as the situation in Southeast Asia deteriorated. Following the Gulf of Tonkin incidents in early August, American naval forces in the region were placed on an increased state of readiness. MONTICELLO operated in the South China Sea from August 12 through September 28 as part of the resulting contingency deployment and subsequently received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for this period. She finally returned to San Diego on October 27, 1964, and spent the remainder of the year in leave, upkeep and post-deployment maintenance.

The growing American commitment in Southeast Asia increasingly shaped MONTICELLO's schedule during 1965. Early in the year, she participated in Exercise Silver Lance. What began as a training and transport assignment developed into an additional Western Pacific movement during which she transported Marines from Hawaii to Okinawa. She returned to San Diego on May 28, 1965, but remained home only three months. On August 25, she departed for the western Pacific approximately a month earlier than originally anticipated. During the ensuing deployment, MONTICELLO repeatedly entered Vietnamese waters. She made calls at Chu Lai to deliver Marines and equipment and at Da Nang to unload missile equipment, while also operating from Subic Bay as one of the principal logistical bases for Seventh Fleet amphibious forces.

During the autumn of 1965, MONTICELLO participated in a succession of amphibious operations associated with the expanding ground war in South Vietnam. These included the Dagger Thrust series of amphibious raids, Operation Blue Marlin and Operation Harvest Moon. By October, the amphibious ready group included USS VALLEY FORGE (LPH 8), USS MONTROSE (APA 212) and MONTICELLO. On December 6, the majority of Battalion Landing Team 2/1 was embarked in USS VALLEY FORGE, and MONTICELLO was leaving the operational area toward Okinawa when the force was recalled for Operation Harvest Moon. The ships reversed course during the night and were again positioned off South Vietnam on the morning of December 8. The operation involved Marine and South Vietnamese forces in fighting southwest of Da Nang and continued into mid-December.

MONTICELLO remained in the western Pacific into 1966. She was at Subic Bay from January 7 through January 17 and then participated in Exercise Hilltop III from January 20 through January 23 at Blue Beach near San Jose on Mindoro in the Philippines. The amphibious force included USS PAUL REVERE, USS VALLEY FORGE, USS MONTROSE and USS CATAMOUNT (LSD 17), among other units. On January 28, MONTICELLO entered Operation Double Eagle off South Vietnam. The amphibious force included, among other ships, USS NAVARRO (APA 215), USS FORT MARION (LSD 22), USS PAUL REVERE, USS VALLEY FORGE, USS MONTROSE, USS CATAMOUNT and MONTICELLO. Double Eagle was directed against enemy forces in the coastal area around the boundary between Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh provinces and, when it ended on February 26, was the largest American amphibious operation yet conducted during the Vietnam War. Captain V. F. Kelley relieved Captain G. W. Folta while MONTICELLO was operating off Chu Lai on February 18. On February 26 the ship unloaded Battalion Landing Team 2/3 at Da Nang.

Following Double Eagle, MONTICELLO began the long return to the United States. She underwent upkeep at Subic Bay from March 3 through March 9, visited Hong Kong from March 14 through March 19 and Yokosuka from March 24 through March 28, and then crossed the Pacific by way of Pearl Harbor in company with USS MONTROSE. She arrived at San Diego on April 14, 1966. During the deployment MONTICELLO had steamed approximately 30,646 miles, transported 4,507 Marines and handled 15,183 tons of cargo. Her records credited the ship with 65 days in the combat zone, including 44 days engaged in combat operations, as well as 18 underway replenishments, six vertical replenishments, 251 ballasting operations and 63 anchorages.

A noteworthy noncombat assignment followed soon after her return. Between May 16 and May 24, 1966, MONTICELLO transported the deep-submergence vehicle TRIESTE II from Mare Island to San Diego. The bathyscaphe was loaded on May 18 and delivered at Ballast Point on May 24. On July 20, MONTICELLO entered Todd Shipyard at San Pedro for an approximately three-month overhaul and dry-docking period. She returned to San Diego on November 5 and conducted refresher training from November 21 through December 19. During 1966, she was also transferred to Amphibious Squadron Nine in preparation for another Western Pacific deployment.

MONTICELLO departed San Diego on January 13, 1967, for another deployment dominated by operations off South Vietnam. From March 20 through April 2, she served as primary command ship for Operation Beacon Hill I in the Quang Tri area. The amphibious force included USS PRINCETON (LPH 5) and USS OGDEN (LPD 5), and the embarked Special Landing Force included Battalion Landing Team 1/4 and a Marine helicopter squadron. MONTICELLO then served as primary command ship during Operation Beacon Star from April 22 through May 12 and participated in Operation Bell during the latter part of May. During July, she took part in Operations Beacon Torch and Bear Chain. In August, the ship participated in Operation Kangaroo Kick, an amphibious feint off Hue, and Operation Belt Drive in the Quang Tri area. These operations reflected the continuing use of Seventh Fleet amphibious forces both for actual landings and as mobile reserves capable of shifting Marine units rapidly along the South Vietnamese coast.

MONTICELLO was relieved at Da Nang in September 1967 by USS TORTUGA (LSD 26). Her return itinerary included approximately five days at Hong Kong and six days at Yokosuka before she crossed the Pacific. She arrived at San Diego on October 13. Late in the year, she participated in the large-scale Exercise Blue Lotus off Southern California, centered on amphibious operations at Camp Pendleton. The ship subsequently entered a restricted-availability period at San Diego. From January 1 through February 18, 1968, work by National Steel and Shipbuilding Company included attention to her cranes, boilers, boat davits and communications equipment. On January 18, the Secretary of the Navy formally recognized the ship's service during operations from June 18 through August 4, 1967, with a Meritorious Unit Commendation.

After completing the availability, MONTICELLO conducted Amphibious Squadron Nine exercises off Silver Strand from February 19 through February 23, 1968. Almost immediately afterward she was ordered to carry landing craft, Marine equipment and supplies to South Vietnam. She sailed on February 26, refueled north of Hawaii, made a brief stop at Guam and reached Da Nang on March 16. After unloading she proceeded to Yokosuka, arriving on March 21 for a six-day stay. She departed Japan on March 27, stopped at Pearl Harbor for two days and returned to San Diego on April 10. From April 23 through May 1 she participated in Exercise Beagle Leash. During the principal phase of the exercise on April 27, involving United States and Canadian forces off Southern California, MONTICELLO acted as secondary control ship. Interim and amphibious refresher training followed from May 20 through June 15.

On August 1, 1968, MONTICELLO began another Western Pacific deployment. She initially sailed with USS WEISS (APD 135), USS SEMINOLE (AKA 104), USS OAK HILL (LSD 7) and USS MONTROSE, with MONTICELLO serving as convoy flagship. The group reached Pearl Harbor on August 9. MONTICELLO departed independently on August 11, arrived at Da Nang on August 24 to unload, and reached Subic Bay on August 27. Between August 27 and August 29, she relieved USS THOMASTON (LSD 28) in Amphibious Ready Group Bravo and embarked elements of Battalion Landing Team 2/7 together with landing-craft and beachmaster personnel. The group also included USS TRIPOLI (LPH 10), USS MERRICK (AKA 97) and USS OGDEN.

MONTICELLO and USS TRIPOLI departed Subic Bay on August 30 for operations off Da Nang. At 12:17 a.m. on September 1, during a formation maneuver, MONTICELLO and USS TRIPOLI collided. No personnel were injured and the damage was sufficiently limited for both ships to continue operations. MONTICELLO thereafter supported Battalion Landing Team 2/7 in the Da Nang area and made regular logistical runs. On October 4, she left Da Nang with USS TRIPOLI, USS OGDEN and USS MERRICK for Subic Bay; USS SEMINOLE subsequently replaced USS MERRICK in the group. Captain James A. Homyak relieved Captain Robert F. Stanton on October 12. MONTICELLO visited Kaohsiung beginning October 21 for five days and was back at Da Nang on October 31.

On November 5, 1968, MONTICELLO began backloading Battalion Landing Team 2/7. On November 10, the force conducted Operation Daring Endeavor, an amphibious landing approximately one mile south of the mouth of the Cua Dai River in Quang Nam Province. MONTICELLO served as secondary control ship. The operation continued for about a week, after which the landing force was re-embarked on November 17. The ship then supported Operation Swift Move III until December 6. On that date, MONTICELLO left the operational area for a port visit to Hong Kong and departed Hong Kong on December 13. Following upkeep at Subic Bay, she returned to Da Nang on December 29. By the end of 1968, her flight deck had recorded a cumulative total of 1,983 helicopter landings, 371 of them during that year.

MONTICELLO began 1969 in Da Nang Harbor. From January 1 through January 3, she backloaded Battalion Landing Team 3/26, and on January 10, she embarked underwater demolition personnel. On January 11, an amphibious tractor sank off China Beach. Seaman Lowell D. Colvin of MONTICELLO rescued its six-man crew and subsequently received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for the rescue. During this period, MONTICELLO operated at various times with ships including USS ELDORADO (LCC 11), USS TRIPOLI, USS DULUTH (LPD 6), USS SEMINOLE, USS OKINAWA (LPH 3) and USS OGDEN.

On January 13, 1969, MONTICELLO began supporting Operation Bold Mariner on the Batangan Peninsula. The operation combined Marine and Army forces with a sizeable naval amphibious force and involved approximately 7,000 Marines and thirteen Navy ships. It was one of the largest American amphibious operations of the Vietnam War. MONTICELLO's principal responsibilities included logistical support, landing-craft operations and repair functions. On January 24, the ship recorded her 2,000th helicopter landing. She left the combat area on February 16, reached Subic Bay on February 18 and was relieved by USS ALAMO (LSD 33) on February 24. MONTICELLO reached Yokosuka on February 26 and remained there until March 11, undergoing an inspection from March 6 through March 8.

The homeward transit included Pearl Harbor and was made for part of the voyage in company with USS OGDEN and the destroyers USS WALLER (DD 466), USS ROBERT L. WILSON (DD 847), USS CORRY (DD 817) and USS ROBERT K. HUNTINGTON (DD 781). On March 24, MONTICELLO conducted her first underway refueling of another ship when she transferred more than 60,000 gallons of fuel to USS WALLER during an operation lasting approximately two and a half hours. She reached San Diego on March 27. Local amphibious operations followed from May 5 through May 8, and on May 17 and May 18, MONTICELLO served as a public-visiting ship at Broadway Pier in San Diego, receiving 2,062 visitors.

On June 23, 1969, MONTICELLO departed for Puget Sound Naval Shipyard at Bremerton, Washington, for a regular overhaul. Sixty-five dependents accompanied the ship on the northbound transit. The overhaul included modifications to communications equipment, helicopter-deck lighting, the well deck and ballast systems. She left Bremerton on October 4 after completing overhaul and trials. Captain F. W. Benson relieved Captain Homyak on October 12. Four weeks of refresher training and two weeks of amphibious refresher training followed. MONTICELLO also participated with the newly commissioned USS DENVER (LPD 9) in another Exercise Blue Lotus off Camp Pendleton and Del Mar, during which she practiced high-speed launching of amphibious vehicles.

MONTICELLO began her ninth Western Pacific deployment on January 31, 1970, departing San Diego with USS ANCHORAGE (LSD 36). On February 1, the two dock landing ships joined USS DENVER and USS ALAMO. During an underway replenishment on February 5, MONTICELLO was alongside USS KAWISHIWI (AO 146), with USS DENVER also receiving supplies from the oiler, when MONTICELLO and USS KAWISHIWI collided. No one was injured, damage to both ships was minor, and replenishment operations were resumed.

On February 7, MONTICELLO responded to a distress signal from the Japanese fishing vessel KAIYO MARU, which had grounded at Laysan Island. She reached the area at approximately 4:00 p.m. Heavy seas prevented a direct rescue attempt, but the ship established radio communications and remained in the vicinity until February 9, when Coast Guard assistance had been arranged. MONTICELLO then continued westward and reached Subic Bay on February 21 after steaming 7,142 miles in twenty days.

On February 24, MONTICELLO loaded landing craft and equipment for transportation to South Vietnam, arriving at Vung Tau on February 26 and returning to Subic Bay on February 28. On March 2, she proceeded to Da Nang and embarked Company B, 3rd Amphibian Tractor Battalion, and Company A, 9th Engineer Battalion, as part of Operation Keystone Bluejay, one of the movements associated with the withdrawal and redeployment of American forces from Vietnam. The embarked personnel and equipment were carried eastward and unloaded at Pearl Harbor on March 14. MONTICELLO departed Hawaii again on March 18 and proceeded west, reaching Sasebo on March 28 for an eighteen-day upkeep period.

MONTICELLO left Sasebo with USS DENVER on April 15, 1970. At Buckner Bay, the ships embarked Marines before continuing toward Subic Bay with USS SEMINOLE, arriving on April 23. Beginning on April 25, MONTICELLO undertook a series of well-deck transport missions between the Philippines and South Vietnam. Over approximately ten days she called at Vung Tau, Cam Ranh Bay, Da Nang and An Thoi before returning to Subic Bay on May 4. Amphibious training followed from May 5 through May 9 and upkeep from May 10 through May 17.

On May 18, the amphibious group, including USS DENVER, USS SEMINOLE, USS TIOGA COUNTY (LST 1158) and USS WASHTENAW COUNTY (LST 1166), departed for Hong Kong, where MONTICELLO arrived on May 23 for a six-day visit. She sailed on May 29 and reached Subic Bay on May 31. From June 2 through June 4, the ship trained with a group that included USS DENVER, USS DURHAM (LKA 114) and USS WESTCHESTER COUNTY (LST 1167), conducting amphibious operations at Green Beach near Subic Bay. From June 8 through June 11, MONTICELLO supported beach surveys at Mindoro involving United States Navy underwater demolition personnel and Philippine underwater ordnance specialists. She reached Iloilo on June 12, and during an open-house period on June 13 and June 14 more than 5,000 visitors came aboard.

MONTICELLO departed Iloilo on June 15, returned briefly to Subic Bay on June 16 and conducted further local amphibious exercises through June 19. After an upkeep period lasting until June 27, she participated in shore-bombardment and landing training around the Teon Creeks and Green Beach areas. On July 3 USS DENVER and MONTICELLO proceeded to Manila for a three-day visit. Additional amphibious training was conducted at Mindoro beginning July 7. MONTICELLO arrived at Buckner Bay on July 13 to unload Marines. A projected visit to Kaohsiung was abandoned because of high winds, and the ship returned to Subic Bay on July 18.

On July 20, 1970, MONTICELLO embarked 44 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps midshipmen and resumed operations toward Vietnam. During this period, she loaded two Landing Craft Utility vessels at Da Nang for transportation to Guam and departed Vung Tau on July 24. On July 25, the ship was diverted to assist the Korean freighter DAI YOUNG HO, which was in distress at Royal Captain Shoal approximately sixty nautical miles west of Palawan. MONTICELLO arrived early on July 26 and evacuated all 25 members of the freighter's crew. The survivors were transferred on July 27 to the Philippine tug ROVER near Batangas.

MONTICELLO reached Guam on July 31, 1970, remained about twelve hours to refuel, replenish and unload, and was back at Vung Tau on August 6. She arrived at Singapore on August 8 and remained there until August 15. Her subsequent return toward Subic Bay included calls at An Thoi, Vung Tau, Qui Nhon and Da Nang, and during the transit she crossed the equator. The ship arrived at Subic Bay on August 21. On August 22 she made another rapid transport run to Da Nang carrying patrol craft and was back at Subic Bay by August 26.

MONTICELLO departed Subic Bay on September 2 and proceeded by way of Vung Tau to Da Nang. On September 6, she embarked Marine Embarkation Unit VIII under Operation Keystone Robin, another phase of the withdrawal of United States forces from Vietnam. This departure proved to be MONTICELLO's final departure from Vietnamese waters during the 1970 deployment. She reached Subic Bay on September 8, Pearl Harbor on September 18 and the Camp Pendleton area on September 23, where the embarked personnel and equipment were unloaded offshore. MONTICELLO arrived at San Diego at approximately 10:00 p.m. on September 23. During the 235-day deployment she had steamed approximately 44,850 miles and consumed about 3,575,000 gallons of fuel. Local and amphibious training followed from October 27 through November 5. Captain W. Spangenberg relieved Captain Benson on November 16, and additional local exercises occupied November 30 through December 4 and December 7 through December 11. On December 22, the ship was notified of a Navy Unit Commendation associated with her participation in Operation Bold Mariner in 1969.

A different type of overseas commitment dominated much of 1971. After operating briefly off Southern California, MONTICELLO arrived at Port Hueneme on February 9 and loaded Naval Construction Force personnel, vehicles and equipment intended for the developing United States-British communications facility on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. She proceeded to Pearl Harbor, arriving on February 14, and then crossed the Pacific. MONTICELLO reached Sydney on February 27 and remained until March 4, visited Perth from March 9 through March 12 and reached Diego Garcia on March 19. There, she delivered personnel, construction material and equipment for the initial development of the facility. She remained until March 21.

From Diego Garcia, MONTICELLO proceeded through Southeast Asia. She reached Singapore on March 27, Vung Tau on March 29 and Da Nang on March 30. During these Vietnamese calls, she embarked equipment being withdrawn from the theater for transportation elsewhere in the Pacific. She arrived at Hong Kong on April 1 and remained until April 8, called at Buckner Bay on April 10, stopped at Pearl Harbor on April 19 and April 20, reached Port Hueneme on April 25 and returned to San Diego on April 26.

Further special transport missions occupied the summer of 1971. On June 9, MONTICELLO loaded YGN-82, a non-self-propelled garbage lighter, for transportation to Pearl Harbor and delivered it after arriving there on June 14. She visited Hilo from June 18 through June 21 and returned to San Diego on June 26. Later her removable helicopter-deck sections were taken up so that she could carry a large floating craft from Bremerton to Hawaii. She was at Bremerton from August 16 through August 19, loaded the craft on August 19 and arrived at Pearl Harbor on August 25. After operating at Kailua Bay on August 28, MONTICELLO reached San Diego on September 3.

From September 9 through September 17, MONTICELLO participated in Exercise Ropeval 3-71, a major amphibious exercise at Camp Pendleton involving approximately forty ships and twenty-three aviation squadrons. Less than two weeks later, she began another long-range transport mission. MONTICELLO called at Port Hueneme on September 27 and then proceeded to Pearl Harbor. She left Hawaii on October 3 carrying, among other cargo, a bookmobile intended for Tonga and reached Nuku'alofa on October 11. Sydney followed on October 16, where she remained until October 21, and Fremantle from October 26 through October 30. MONTICELLO reached Diego Garcia for a second time on November 5 and remained until November 9. This delivery included additional construction material and equipment associated with the continuing development of the atoll, including equipment for concrete production and infrastructure work. She then called at Singapore from November 15 through November 17.

MONTICELLO arrived at Vung Tau on November 18, 1971. During the following two days, she embarked construction equipment, trucks and three river patrol craft being removed from Vietnam. After leaving Vung Tau on November 19 she visited Hong Kong from November 22 through November 27 and Yokosuka from December 1 through December 6. She reached Pearl Harbor on December 13, departed on December 14, arrived at Port Hueneme on December 19 and completed the voyage at San Diego on December 20. Commander Bruce A. Tager relieved Captain Spangenberg on December 21.

MONTICELLO began 1972 with leave, upkeep and preparations at San Diego. She unloaded ammunition at Seal Beach on January 12 and January 13 and underwent inspections from January 18 through January 21. On March 8, she began a regular overhaul at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. She entered dry dock on April 5, moved the crew ashore on April 10 and was undocked on May 12. Among the significant changes were conversion of the boilers from Navy Standard Fuel to Navy Distillate, enlargement of the helicopter platform and improvements to communications, security and helicopter-control facilities. Dock trials began on June 7, the crew moved fully back aboard on June 8, sea trials followed on June 9 and the overhaul formally ended on June 11.

After overhaul, MONTICELLO resumed a demanding work-up schedule. She sailed north on June 12, loaded ammunition at Seal Beach on June 13 and called at Port Hueneme on June 15. From June 17 through June 25, she was at Alameda, where members of the crew attended firefighting schools. A burial at sea was conducted on June 26. The ship operated from Long Beach on June 28 and June 29 for technical tests, including an antenna-radiation survey, before returning to San Diego. On July 13, MONTICELLO recovered a Navy E-1B aircraft that had gone down at sea and subsequently delivered the wreckage to Naval Air Station North Island. Amphibious refresher training took place from August 7 through August 18, followed by Phiblex 4-72 from August 21 through August 24.

On September 21, 1972, MONTICELLO departed for the western Pacific with USS SAN BERNARDINO (LST 1189). She was at Pearl Harbor from September 27 through September 29 and passed to Seventh Fleet operational control on October 6. At Kin Wan on October 11 she began embarking Battalion Landing Team 3/4 and entered Buckner Bay on October 12. Loading continued through October 15. On October 14, she formally joined Amphibious Ready Group Alpha. After proceeding to Subic Bay, MONTICELLO participated in Zamex 9-72 on October 23 and October 24 as primary control ship. She then entered the Gulf of Tonkin and relieved the preceding amphibious ready group on October 29.

The ship remained on station until November 11. On November 12, she left with USS OGDEN for Kaohsiung and visited there from November 14 through November 18. She returned to Subic Bay on November 20 for maintenance that continued into early December. After local operations from December 4 through December 6 and another short period at Subic Bay, MONTICELLO returned to special operations in the Gulf of Tonkin from December 8 through December 20. On December 17, an embarked underwater demolition team destroyed a derelict marker buoy that had become a navigation hazard. MONTICELLO subsequently proceeded toward Hong Kong in company with USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH 11), arriving on December 21. She remained through December 26, returned to Subic Bay on December 27 and ended 1972 there.

MONTICELLO departed Subic Bay on January 6, 1973, and spent roughly two weeks operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. A planned period at Singapore was interrupted as negotiations leading to the Paris Peace Accords neared completion. The ship left Singapore early on January 25 and returned toward the Philippines. The accords were signed on January 27 and the resulting ceasefire substantially altered the mission of American naval forces off Vietnam. MONTICELLO subsequently formed part of Amphibious Ready Group Bravo with USS TULARE (LKA 112), USS FRESNO (LST 1182), USS RACINE (LST 1191) and USS SAN BERNARDINO. Another line period followed from February 4 through February 15, after which she visited Kaohsiung.

MONTICELLO reassembled with the amphibious force at Subic Bay on February 26 for additional training. After upkeep from March 1 through March 13, she sailed to Hong Kong for a five-day visit beginning March 15. She then returned briefly to Subic Bay for repairs. Battalion Landing Team 3/4 was landed and Battalion Landing Team 2/4 embarked for subsequent training. After being relieved in the ready-group role by USS THOMASTON, MONTICELLO joined USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19), USS TULARE, USS FRESNO, USS SAN BERNARDINO and USS RACINE, together with Republic of Korea naval units, for Exercise Golden Dragon 73. During this approximately eight-day amphibious exercise off Korea, MONTICELLO served as primary control ship. She subsequently unloaded Marines at Okinawa and operated as flagship for Amphibious Squadron Three during part of the return voyage. After brief stops at Subic Bay and Pearl Harbor, she reached San Diego on May 1, 1973.

After approximately seven weeks in Southern California, MONTICELLO was assigned a special visit to Alaska. The deployment included Marines, beachmaster personnel, an underwater demolition team and 47 midshipmen. En route, the ship conducted a joint air-defense exercise involving the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron and USS ORLECK (DD 886). She visited Anchorage during the July 4 period, when more than 12,500 people toured the ship, and returned south by way of San Francisco. MONTICELLO reached San Diego on July 15. Commander John J. Flynn relieved Commander Tager on August 24. On September 1, the ship left San Diego for Rimpac 73, a large multinational Pacific exercise involving forces from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. MONTICELLO participated in an amphibious raid at Barking Sands on Kauai and returned to San Diego on September 28.

MONTICELLO remained an active part of the Pacific amphibious force after the end of direct American combat operations in Vietnam. On May 24, 1974, she departed San Diego for another Western Pacific deployment with USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7), USS OGDEN, USS TULARE, USS RACINE and USS SAN BERNARDINO. During the cruise, she operated in the Philippines and western Pacific and visited Tinian, where members of the crew took part in civic-assistance work before Marine amphibious training was conducted on the island's northern beaches. Other documented port visits during the deployment included Manila, Hong Kong and Kaohsiung.

From August 21 through August 31, 1974, MONTICELLO participated in Pagasa III, a combined United States-Philippine amphibious exercise conducted in the area northwest of Panay. Participating United States naval forces included USS TRIPOLI, USS PAUL REVERE, USS OGDEN and USS FRESNO in addition to MONTICELLO. The exercise formed part of the continuing series of bilateral amphibious maneuvers intended to maintain cooperation and landing-force readiness after the end of direct American combat operations in Vietnam.

As the political and military position of the Khmer Republic in Cambodia continued to deteriorate later in 1974, Seventh Fleet amphibious forces were maintained in readiness for a possible evacuation. By November 13, Amphibious Ready Group Alpha included USS TRIPOLI, MONTICELLO, USS FRESNO and USS OGDEN, with Battalion Landing Team 3/4 embarked as part of the 31st Marine Amphibious Unit. The force maintained a contingency-response posture connected with planning for Operation Eagle Pull, the prospective evacuation of American personnel from Phnom Penh. MONTICELLO did not participate in the actual evacuation, which occurred in April 1975 after this deployment had ended. She returned to California after approximately six months overseas late in 1974.

Early 1975 was spent primarily at San Diego preparing MONTICELLO for a major overhaul. A comprehensive inspection was conducted from February 18 through February 21. She visited San Francisco from February 28 through March 6, during which 136 members of the crew attended specialized schools each day. On April 19 and April 20, she again served as a public-visiting ship at Broadway Pier in San Diego, receiving approximately 2,000 visitors. From April 29 through May 7, MONTICELLO participated in Exercise Bell Buster, also designated Phiblex/Mablex 1-75, a full-scale amphibious exercise at Camp Pendleton. With the staff of Regimental Landing Team 7 embarked, she served as primary control ship.

MONTICELLO unloaded ammunition at Seal Beach on May 8, 1975, and began a three-week restricted availability at Long Beach Naval Shipyard on May 19. On July 3, she left San Diego for Todd Shipbuilding at San Pedro to begin the first phase of what had been planned as a seven-month regular overhaul. The ship spent approximately thirty days in dry dock, where the underwater hull was sandblasted and recoated. Commander Jefferson R. Dennis Jr. relieved Commander Flynn on August 11. After leaving dry dock on September 2, MONTICELLO shifted to Bethlehem Steel at San Pedro for the remainder of the overhaul. Engineering systems and crew accommodations received extensive work, while the crew was berthed ashore at the Naval Support Activity in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area. Technical problems extended the overhaul well beyond its original schedule.

MONTICELLO remained at Bethlehem Steel into 1976. Sea trials were finally conducted from March 26 through March 29, and the ship returned to San Diego on April 3. She was reassigned to Amphibious Squadron One and completed refresher training by May 7. On May 8 and May 9, approximately 3,000 visitors toured MONTICELLO during another Broadway Pier open house. Amphibious refresher training followed between May 18 and May 29 in the Camp Del Mar, Camp Pendleton and Coronado Roads areas.

On June 26, 1976, MONTICELLO departed at short notice for Alaska as part of Operation Bearer Ice. She visited Anchorage during the United States Bicentennial celebrations from July 3 through July 6 and received more than 7,000 visitors. Amphibious exercises subsequently took place in the Hanning and Needles Bays areas, with MONTICELLO serving as primary control ship. She returned to San Diego on July 23. After preparations during August and September, she departed for another Western Pacific deployment on September 25.

Following a brief stop at Pearl Harbor, MONTICELLO participated in a squadron turnover at Kwajalein on October 3, 1976. From October 21 through October 30, she took part in Operation Kangaroo II at Shoalwater Bay, Australia, an amphibious exercise involving United States, Australian and New Zealand forces. MONTICELLO subsequently visited Port Kembla in the Wollongong area from November 1 through November 6. She reached Buckner Bay on November 20, where Marines and equipment were exchanged during an intensive twenty-four-hour period, and then continued to Subic Bay. Upkeep there lasted from November 24 through December 20. A landing exercise in the Zambales area followed on December 20. MONTICELLO departed Subic Bay on December 27 and arrived in Hong Kong on December 29 in company with USS OKINAWA and USS VANCOUVER (LPD 2) for a New Year port visit that continued into 1977.

MONTICELLO departed Hong Kong on January 3, 1977, and reached Guam on January 10. A restricted availability at the Ship Repair Facility continued until February 4. She arrived at Subic Bay on February 9 and remained until February 15, when she sailed toward Thailand. MONTICELLO anchored off Pattaya on February 19 and participated from February 23 through February 28 in Phibtraex 1-77 with the Royal Thai Navy. She returned to Subic Bay on March 6 and shortly afterward rehearsed for Landex 2-77 in the Zambales area. The principal landing took place on March 15 and the exercise ended on March 16.

MONTICELLO arrived at Pusan, South Korea, on March 20, 1977, for a five-day visit. She departed on March 25 and participated in Team Spirit 77 in the Pohang area, a large combined United States-Republic of Korea exercise. After approximately sixteen days of Korean operations she proceeded to Okinawa, reaching Buckner Bay on April 12 to unload personnel and equipment. She departed on April 14 and reached Subic Bay on April 16 for twelve days of upkeep.

On April 28, 1977, MONTICELLO began her homeward voyage, but the return included an unusual assignment associated with the radiological cleanup of Enewetak Atoll. After loading at Okinawa, she departed on May 1 carrying material required for the cleanup program. On May 7, MONTICELLO, USS VANCOUVER and USS SAN BERNARDINO delivered the first increment of landing craft assigned to support the Enewetak restoration project. The equipment included one LCU, three LCM-8 landing craft, a warping tug, three 90-foot causeway sections and additional support material. The work formed part of the effort to remove and contain radioactive debris remaining from the extensive United States nuclear-testing program conducted in the Marshall Islands. MONTICELLO reached Pearl Harbor on May 14 and departed the following day with eighteen male dependents embarked for the final portion of the voyage. She arrived at San Diego on May 21, ending an eight-month deployment.

A steering-system problem required MONTICELLO to enter dry dock on May 24, 1977; sea trials were completed on June 7. Commander Andrew J. Conklin relieved Commander Dennis on June 10. The ship participated in an amphibious exercise at Camp Pendleton on June 25 and came under the operational control of Amphibious Squadron Three on July 1. Maintenance and upkeep occupied much of the period from July 3 through September 19. MONTICELLO visited San Francisco beginning September 19, departed on September 24 and returned to San Diego on September 26. Two days later, she sailed to Marina del Rey, where she served as flagship during annual ocean powerboat races, returning to San Diego on October 3. Refresher training began on October 11 and was followed by amphibious assault refresher training from November 1 through November 12. A presidential commission examining military compensation visited the ship on November 15. A formal inspection from December 12 through December 16 found her fit for continued service.

MONTICELLO began 1978 with local amphibious training. From January 23 through February 2, she participated in Readiex 78/2, conducting helicopter and ship-to-shore operations while serving as secondary control ship. She was then reassigned to Amphibious Squadron One for another Enewetak support mission. MONTICELLO left San Diego on March 17 for a six-week deployment of approximately 5,000 miles. She called at Pearl Harbor on March 25 to load equipment and supplies, departed Hawaii on March 27, reached Kwajalein on April 2, departed on April 4 and arrived at Enewetak on April 5. Her well deck was converted into a repair facility and floating garage for landing craft used by the cleanup crews ashore. The required work was completed ahead of schedule, and MONTICELLO departed Enewetak on April 12. After returning by way of Kwajalein, she reached Pearl Harbor on April 20, sailed on April 24 and returned to San Diego before the end of the month.

Preparation for another major overseas deployment occupied much of the next several months. MONTICELLO participated in Exercise Varsity Kleenex 78 from July 10 through July 21 and conducted a dependents' cruise on August 24. On August 31, she departed San Diego for a Western Pacific deployment that would last approximately seven and a half months. She was at Pearl Harbor from September 7 through September 11 and reached Enewetak on September 19. An engineering casualty aboard another ship caused MONTICELLO to act as guide ship during the subsequent passage to Guam. She arrived there on September 25 and remained until October 1.

MONTICELLO arrived at Subic Bay on October 5, 1978. Typhoon Nina forced the ship to sortie the following day, and she returned on October 12. After approximately three weeks of upkeep, another sortie became necessary on October 26 because of Typhoon Rita. The ship departed the Philippines for South Korea on November 3 and visited Pusan from November 8 through November 12. She then participated in approximately three weeks of Team Spirit amphibious training with United States and Republic of Korea forces. MONTICELLO made a short visit to San Fernando in the Philippines beginning November 27 and subsequently returned to Subic Bay for upkeep. Christmas was spent during a port visit to Hong Kong, and by January 1, 1979, the ship was again at Subic Bay.

MONTICELLO departed Subic Bay on January 4, 1979, and proceeded toward Japan. After briefly calling at Numazu to unload Marines and equipment, she arrived at Yokosuka on January 12 for maintenance. She departed Yokosuka on February 10 for another combined amphibious operation involving United States and Republic of Korea forces. On February 16, while anchored off Pohang and ballasting in preparation for amphibious operations, heavy swells placed severe loads on the ship's approximately 42-ton stern gate. The gate broke completely free from the ship. Because normal well-deck operations were impossible without it, MONTICELLO was ordered back to Yokosuka for repairs. After transiting by way of the Shimonoseki Strait, she reached Yokosuka on February 27.

Repairs required nearly a month. MONTICELLO finally departed Yokosuka on March 20, 1979, for the United States. At Enewetak she conducted a turnover with USS MOUNT VERNON (LSD 39), part of Amphibious Squadron Seven, before departing on March 26. She reached Pearl Harbor on April 2, unloaded troops and equipment, and left on April 4 with twenty male dependents embarked. MONTICELLO arrived at San Diego on April 11.

Local operations resumed on May 15, 1979, including transportation of Marines between San Clemente Island and Camp Pendleton. She returned on May 18 and unloaded ammunition at Seal Beach beginning May 29. On July 25, MONTICELLO left San Diego for a major overhaul at Portland, Oregon, carrying sixteen dependents during part of the transit. She visited San Francisco from July 27 through July 30 and arrived at Portland on August 2. The overhaul, undertaken by Northwest Marine Iron Works and initially expected to last approximately nine months, eventually extended to thirteen months. Commander James T. Worthington II relieved Commander Conklin on August 27.

Virtually all of the first eight and a half months of 1980 were spent in the Portland overhaul. MONTICELLO was transferred administratively from Amphibious Squadron One to Amphibious Squadron Five on April 1 in anticipation of future operations. On May 18, the crew witnessed the eruption of Mount St. Helens; volcanic ash falling over the Portland area created additional maintenance and cleaning problems aboard the ship. Her nominal homeport was changed back to San Diego on May 28 even though the overhaul was still in progress. MONTICELLO also participated in Portland's Rose Festival activities from June 9 through June 13. Technical delays kept the ship in Portland until September 17.

MONTICELLO departed the Pacific Northwest on September 17, 1980, carrying 83 guests between Portland and Astoria during the initial portion of the voyage, and reached San Diego on September 21. Training off Southern California followed from October 20 through October 27, including a visit to Santa Catalina Island on October 25 and October 26. She loaded ammunition at Seal Beach on October 27. An inspection occupied a week beginning November 3. Problems associated with the stern-gate system and unresolved discrepancies from the overhaul subsequently kept the ship from returning immediately to a normal operating schedule, and the remainder of 1980 was largely spent in port while repair and warranty work was addressed.

During the spring of 1981, MONTICELLO resumed large-scale amphibious training. From April 30 through May 15, she participated in Kernel Usher 81-2 in Southern California. Other participating amphibious ships included USS OKINAWA, USS DENVER, USS ANCHORAGE, USS ALAMO and USS SCHENECTADY (LST 1185). The exercise provided another period of integrated Navy-Marine amphibious training before MONTICELLO's next overseas deployment.

MONTICELLO departed San Diego on June 24, 1981, for the western Pacific. She reached Pearl Harbor on July 2 and remained through July 6 before continuing westward. By July 25, she was at Buckner Bay, Okinawa, and on July 29, she anchored off Numazu, Japan. Operations during the cruise included amphibious training in Japanese, Korean and Philippine waters and repeated movements of Marines, landing craft and equipment.

MONTICELLO visited Pusan from August 19 through August 21, 1981, and later called at Hong Kong on September 1 and September 2. She reached Subic Bay on September 10 for an extended upkeep period that lasted until October 2. The ship subsequently proceeded to Thailand and visited Pattaya from October 7 through October 11. During visits at Pusan and Pattaya, members of the crew also participated in Operation Handclasp activities, distributing donated clothing, books, medical supplies and other material to local institutions.

On October 18, 1981, while operating in the South China Sea approximately 250 nautical miles southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, MONTICELLO encountered a small vessel carrying eighteen Vietnamese refugees. The boat had reportedly been at sea for three days without food or water. MONTICELLO took all eighteen people aboard; three required immediate medical attention. The rescue occurred during the continuing movement of Vietnamese refugees by sea following the end of the Vietnam War.

During the same deployment, MONTICELLO conducted additional amphibious training in Korean waters. Her landing craft and personnel from Beachmaster Unit One worked with embarked Marines during these operations. Further calls included Pohang from November 5 through November 7 and Inchon from November 15 through November 16. She underwent upkeep at Sasebo on November 28 and November 29, called at Naha on Okinawa on December 1 and crossed the Pacific by way of Pearl Harbor, where she remained from December 11 through December 15. MONTICELLO returned to San Diego on December 23, 1981.

The ship returned quickly to major training in 1982. From January 7 through January 17, MONTICELLO participated in Operation Kernel Egress, a Commander-in-Chief Pacific-sponsored, Third Fleet-directed no-notice exercise designed to test noncombatant emergency evacuation procedures. The amphibious force included USS PELELIU (LHA 5), USS CLEVELAND, USS POINT DEFIANCE (LSD 31), MONTICELLO, USS PEORIA (LST 1183) and USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198), together with the 17th Marine Amphibious Unit. The force went to sea on January 15 and January 16 in a scenario simulating movement toward a Central American contingency, followed by an evacuation exercise at San Clemente Island on January 17.

MONTICELLO was subsequently deployed to Korean waters for Team Spirit 82. On March 28, she was anchored offshore near Tok Sok Ri Beach in the Pohang area while landing craft from Assault Craft Unit One moved toward the beach during the amphibious phase of the combined United States-Republic of Korea exercise. Team Spirit formed part of the recurring series of large-scale combined exercises intended to practice reinforcement and defense of South Korea under the continuing conditions of the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula.

MONTICELLO continued in the Pacific Fleet amphibious rotation during 1983. On September 12, she departed San Diego as part of Amphibious Squadron Five for another Western Pacific deployment. The force included USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3), USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8), USS THOMASTON, MONTICELLO and USS BRISTOL COUNTY, together with supporting units. Marine forces were embarked in Hawaii before the group departed westward on October 3. During the deployment, MONTICELLO operated in the western Pacific and made documented visits to Okinawa, Pohang, Pusan and Yokosuka. Training with American and allied forces continued the pattern established during the ship's earlier post-Vietnam deployments, with emphasis on amphibious readiness in Japan, Korea and the western Pacific.

During the homeward phase of the deployment, MONTICELLO participated in Exercise Kernel Blitz in Hawaiian waters. On January 29, 1984, landing craft from MONTICELLO supported an amphibious assault at Bellows Beach, with Marines embarked aboard MONTICELLO and USS DUBUQUE. The ships of Amphibious Squadron Five completed the deployment and returned to their homeports on March 7, 1984.

MONTICELLO was again operating in the western Pacific during Balikatan 84 in the Philippines. The combined United States-Philippine exercise was conducted in several phases during May 1984, with amphibious operations centered on Bolotan, Zambales, northwest of Subic Bay, and field training also conducted at Fort Magsaysay. MONTICELLO was listed among the principal United States naval forces together with USS ST. LOUIS (LKA 116) and USS THOMASTON. The exercise combined amphibious, ground and aviation training during a period in which political and economic difficulties in the Philippines had reduced the scale of Philippine military participation compared with earlier years. By July 1984, MONTICELLO was again at San Diego.

The final operational phase of MONTICELLO's career followed during 1985. By then, the THOMASTON-class ships were approaching the end of their service lives, while newer amphibious ships were entering the fleet. MONTICELLO nevertheless remained operational and made one final Western Pacific deployment. During this period, she operated as part of Amphibious Ready Group Bravo with USS ST. LOUIS and USS ANCHORAGE. Marines of Battalion Landing Team 1/3, together with amphibious assault vehicle and M60A1 tank detachments, formed the ground combat element associated with the 35th Marine Amphibious Unit. Elements of the battalion were transported from Okinawa to Subic Bay aboard MONTICELLO and USS ANCHORAGE.

MONTICELLO participated in Balikatan 85, the combined United States-Philippine exercise that concluded on May 17, 1985. Battalion Landing Team 1/3 conducted an amphibious landing at Red Beach in Dingalan Bay with Marine aviation, artillery and naval support. The exercise represented one of the final major amphibious evolutions undertaken by MONTICELLO. Battalion Landing Team 1/3 subsequently continued its Western Pacific training program and became the last Marine landing-force detachment to serve aboard the ship.

After returning to the United States, MONTICELLO was prepared for inactivation. She was decommissioned on October 1, 1985, after twenty-eight and a half years of active service, and was subsequently towed to Bremerton, Washington, where she joined the reserve fleet. MONTICELLO remained in reserve after decommissioning. She was transferred to the Maritime Administration on August 2, 1991, and was formally struck from the Naval Vessel Register on February 24, 1992. On September 29, 1995, the former ship was sold to Pegasus Inc. for disposal. When the contracted dismantling was not completed, the Navy repossessed her on July 1, 1997. Maritime Administration records subsequently show her re-entry into MARAD custody on September 8, 1998, with acquisition and title for disposal recorded on September 18. She was placed in the National Defense Reserve Fleet at Suisun Bay, California, where she remained for more than a decade.

Her final disposition came during Rimpac 2010. The former MONTICELLO was withdrawn from the Suisun Bay reserve fleet on June 27, 2010, for use as a live-fire target and was positioned in the Pacific approximately seventy miles off Kauai. On July 14, she was engaged during the exercise by participating United States and Canadian forces. HMCS ALGONQUIN (DDG 283) was among the warships that fired on the target, and official imagery recorded the former MONTICELLO after she had been struck by two Harpoon missiles. United States Navy aircraft also participated in the sinking exercise. After absorbing the weapons employed during the live-fire event, the former dock landing ship sank later on July 14, 2010.

USS MONTICELLO Image Gallery:

The photos below were taken by me and show the MONTICELLO laid-up at Suisun Bay, Calif., on March 27, 2010 - roughly 3 1/2 months before she was sunk as a target off Kauai, Hi.

The photos below are official US Navy photos taken on July 14, 2010. They show the HMCS ALGONQUIN (DDG 283) firing at the MONTICELLO during RIMPAC 2010 as well as the MONTICELLO after being hit by two Harpoon missiles. The MONTICELLO sunk later that day.

General Characteristics:	Awarded: October 14, 1954
	Keel laid: June 6, 1955
	Launched: August 10, 1956
	Commissioned: March 29, 1957
	Decommissioned: October 1, 1985
	Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss.
	Propulsion system: two 600 psi boilers, twp geared turbines
	Propellers: two
	Length: 510 feet (155.5 meters)
	Beam: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
	Draft: 19 feet (5.8 meters)
	Displacement: approx. 11,300 tons full load
	Speed: 22 knots
	Well deck capacity: three LCU or nine LCM-8 or 50 AAV
	Aircraft: helo platform only
	Crew: Ship: 18 officers, 330 enlisted
	Crew: Marine Detachment: approx. 330 Marines
	Armament: two dual 3-inch/50-caliber Mk-33 gun mounts