12/01/2014: A landing craft air cushion (LCAC) prepares to embark the dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) during a personnel transfer with the USS Makin Island. Comstock, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is on deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Credit: Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs:8/24/14
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In the second photo, a landing craft air cushion (LCAC) makes its approach to the well deck of the dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45
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In the third photo, Landing Craft Utility 1681 departs the well deck of the dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) to conduct a personnel transfer with the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8).
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In photos 4-6, a Military Sealift Command contracted SA-330J Puma helicopter delivers supplies on the flight deck of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) during a vertical replenishment.
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In the final photo, Gunner’s Mate Rafael T. Lewis, shoots a messenger line from the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45) to the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) during a replenishment-at-sea.
The Comstock (LSD 45) is the 5th Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship and the second U.S. Navy ship to be named after the Comstock Lode, an early American pioneer mining site near Virginia City, Nevada.
The Comstock Lode, founded in 1859, has become indelible in the history of our American West; it produced more than $500,000,000 in gold and silver.
The keel was laid down by the Avondale Industries in New Orleans, La., on October 27, 1986.
The ship was christened and launched on January 16, 1988. Mrs. Jan Gray, the wife of General Alfered M. Gray, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, served as sponsor of the ship.
Cmdr. Robert H. Howe was the prospective commanding officer.
February 3, 1990 USS Comstock was commissioned during a ceremony at Riverwalk Marketplace wharf in downtown New Orleans.
http://www.uscarriers.net/lsd45history.htm