Commanding Officer of USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) visits Harstad city hall [Image 11 of 22]

USS Gunston Hall LSD 44 is a Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship that serves as a base for helicopter operations in the Pacific region. The ship is named after George Washington's home at Mount Vernon, Virginia, and was commissioned in 2015.

During a port visit to Harstad, Norway, Cmdr. Christopher W. Van Loeren presented a ship coin to Chief of Police Frank Sletten at the police station. The ship coin is a unique piece of currency that is minted by the U.S. Navy and features the emblem of the ship on one side and the words "USS Gunston Hall LSD 44" on the other.

The visit to Harstad was in support of Steadfast Defender 2024, a NATO exercise that demonstrated the Alliance's ability to deploy forces rapidly from across Europe to reinforce the defense of the region. The exercise involved more than 30,000 troops and 150 aircraft from 18 countries, including the United States.

The USS Gunston Hall LSD 44 played a key role in the exercise by providing helicopter support for ground forces. The ship is equipped with two CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters that can carry up to 50 passengers and cargo.

Overall, the visit to Harstad was an opportunity for the USS Gunston Hall LSD 44 to demonstrate its capabilities and strengthen relationships with NATO allies in Europe.