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Balikatan 2026: Replenishment-at-Sea [Image 10 of 12]

Royal Canadian Navy ship MV Asterix provides fuel to RCN Halifax-class frigate HMCS Charlottetown (FFH 339) during a replenishment-at-sea for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 29, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John B. Hetherington)

Balikatan 2026: Replenishment-at-Sea [Image 7 of 12]

Royal Canadian Navy ship MV Asterix sends a fuel boom to U.S. Navy Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a replenishment-at-sea for Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 29, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John B. Hetherington)

Balikatan 2026: Replenishment-at-Sea [Image 4 of 12]

U.S. Navy Sailors aboard Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) pull in a line from Royal Canadian Navy Auxiliary ship MV Asterix for a replenishment-at-sea during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 29, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John B. Hetherington)

Balikatan 2026: Replenishment-at-Sea [Image 3 of 12]

U.S. Navy Ensign Evelyn Brady, weapons officer aboard Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48), fires a shot line to Royal Canadian Navy ship MV Asterix for a replenishment-at-sea during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the South China Sea, April 29, 2026. Balikatan is a longstanding annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military that represents the strength of our alliance, improves our capable combined force, and demonstrates our commitment to regional peace and prosperity. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John B. Hetherington)

Australia, Canada, and U.S. conduct multilateral operations in South China Sea

Ships from the Royal Australian Navy, Canadian Armed Forces, and U.S. Navy conducted multilateral operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific in the South China Sea, April 12-18.

USS Ashland Completes Ship Wartime Repair and Maintenance Exercise in the Philippines

Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) completed a ship wartime repair and maintenance exercise (SWARMEX), April 5, as part of its scheduled port visit to Cebu.

Ashland holds change of command ceremony

SAN DIEGO (Oct. 5, 2023) Cmdr. Dirk Sonnenberg was relieved by Cmdr. Quinn Matt as commanding officer of amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a change of command ceremony aboard Ashland, Oct. 5, 2023.

USS Ashland holds change of command

Cmdr. Keith Tate, 21st commanding officer of USS Ashland (LSD 48), turned over command to Cmdr. Dirk Sonnenberg in a ceremony aboard Ashland, May 11.

SERVICE WITH A SMILE

“Service with a smile,” is the motto of a small group of ship’s servicemen, or SH’s, aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). As the mission continues with exercise Talisman Sabre 19 and the tempo rises, S-3 Division ensures the rest of the crew are well-groomed, well-stocked and well-taken care of.

Sailors and Marines conduct CRRC operations aboard USS Ashland (LSD 48)

190717-N-WI365-2000 CORAL SEA (July 17, 2019) – Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conduct Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) operations inside and outside of the well deck aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st MEU, is currently participating in Talisman Sabre 2019 off the coast of Northern Australia. A bilateral, biennial event, Talisman Sabre is designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability through realistic, relevant training necessary to maintain regional security, peace and stability. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

USS Ashland (LSD 48) Damage Control Drill

190710-N-WI365-1001 TASMAN SEA (July 10, 2019) – Sailors prepare to combat a simulated fire during a damage control training drill aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Ashland, part of the Wasp Expeditionary Strike Group, with embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently participating in Talisman Sabre 2019 off the coast of Northern Australia. A bilateral, biennial event, Talisman Sabre is designed to improve U.S. and Australian combat training, readiness and interoperability through realistic, relevant training necessary to maintain regional security, peace and stability. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

MSLEX Aboard USS Ashland

190316-N-WI365-2001 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 16, 2019) – The amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) launches a Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) during a missile exercise (MSLEX). MSLEXs are designed to increase the tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability of participating warships in an Era of Great Power Competition. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) 1633 docks in USS Ashland (LSD 48)

190312-N-WI365-1000 PACIFIC OCEAN (March 12, 2019) – Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) 1633 transits in the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during well deck operations. U.S. Navy warships train together to increase the tactical proficiency, lethality, and interoperability of participating units in an Era of Great Power Competition. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Markus Castaneda)

Sailors, Marines Visit Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan High School

More than 20 Sailors and Marines participated in a cultural exchange and community service event with students in the Inanam District of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Feb. 25.

USS ASHLAND ARRIVES IN KOTA KINABALU

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (NNS) – The amphibious assault ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for a port visit, Feb. 23 as they continue working to strengthen regional partnerships.

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USS Ashland (LSD 48)

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