The converted amphibious warship that served as an experimental platform for special operations forces, minehunting helicopters and the Navy’s first operational laser weapon is back in the U.S. after more than five years operating in the Middle East.
USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15), a former Austin-class landing platform dock, had served since 2012 as the service’s interim afloat forward staging base operating in U.S. 5th Fleet until its return on Wednesday.
I noted its conversion prior to deployment.
It had a long run as a test platform for equipment and operating procedures.
