The Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) is the first of four Cargo Variant (CV) of the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships and is named for the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, which, because of the Federal arsenal there, was an important location during the Civil War. Cargo variant dock landing ships carry two Landing Craft Air Cushion Vehicles (LCAC's), instead of the standard four, in order to provide additional cargo stowage.

The keel was laid down by Avondale Industries shipyard in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 15, 1991; Christened and launched on January 16, 1993; Mrs. Mimi Dailey, the wife of General John R. Dailey (Ret.), former Assistant of Commandant of the Marine Corps, served as sponsor of the ship; Cmdr. Charles P. Salsman is the prospective commanding officer.

January 7, 1995 USS Harpers Ferry was commissioned during a ceremony at the Navy Landing in Woldenburg Park in downtown New Orleans.

January 12, The Harpers Ferry embarked two LCACs off the coast of Panama City, Fla., for a transport to Camp Pendleton, Calif.

January 25, The dock landing ship arrived in Mazatlan, Mexico, for a two-day port visit.

January 31, USS Harpers Ferry arrived in its homeport of Naval Station San Diego after a 20-day transit from New Orleans, La.

From March 20-24, the Harpers Ferry was underway for Combat Systems Ship's Qualification Trials (CSSQT) in the SOCAL Op. Area; Underway for Type Training from April 3-7; Underway for Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) I from May 15-19, May 22-26 and May 30- June 2; Underway for FCT Preps. from June 8-9; Underway for final contract trials from June 19-23.

July 7, LSD 49 departed San Diego for a Friends and Family Day Cruise.

July 13, USS Harpers Ferry entered the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego for a three-month Post Shakedown Availability (PSA); Underway for sea trials from Oct. 17-18; Underway for TSTA II from Nov. 6-9.

November 9, The Harpers Ferry moored at Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego for a three-day "Open House" in conjunction with the Veteran's Day weekend.

From Nov. 13-17, the dock landing ship was underway off the coast of southern California for a TSTA II; Underway again from Nov. 27- Dec. 1; Underway for Operational Propulsion Plant Examination (OPPE) from Dec. 13-15; Underway for TSTA III from Jan. 8-12.

January 12, 1996 USS Harpers Ferry moored again at Broadway Pier for a three-day "Open House" in conjunction with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day weekend; Underway for TSTA IV from Feb. 5-9; Underway for Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) from Feb. 13-15.

March 8, LSD 49 departed homeport to transport an old Yard Patrol (YP) craft to New Orleans and to embark two new Landing Craft Air Cushion Vehicles (LCACs) at Panama City, Florida; Transited the Panama Canal on March 18; Inport Naval Support Activity New Orleans, La., from March 23-26.

March 27, USS Harpers Ferry moored at commercial ship pier in Panama City, Fla., for a three-day port visit; Transited the Panama Canal southbound on April 4.

April 9, The Harpers Ferry anchored off Acapulco, Mexico, for a three-day port visit; Returned to San Diego on April 16.

May 11, USS Harpers Ferry departed Naval Station San Diego to participate in a multi-national annual exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) '96; Inport Pearl Harbor from May 20-23 and June 16-21; Returned home on June 28.

July 3, Cmdr. Sam J. Tangredi relieved Cmdr. Charles P. Salsman as CO of the Harpers Ferry.

July 8, LSD 49 moored at Deperming Pier on Naval Submarine Base Point Loma in San Diego for a four-day magnetic deperming; Underway for FLEETEX 96-2M from July 15-23; Underway for Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) from Aug. 8-19; Underway for a Friends and Family Day Cruise on Sept. 13; Underway for amphibious operations from Sept. 23-24; Underway on Oct. 8 to embark AAV's.

October 10, USS Harpers Ferry departed San Diego for its maiden six-month deployment, as part of the USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

From Oct. 16-18, the dock landing ship conducted amphibious operations in the Hawaiian OPAREA; HM3 Benjamin R. Sjoberg was lost at sea on Oct. 19.

November 5, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore for a five-day port visit; Port call to Penang, Malaysia, from Nov. 12-18.

December 10, The Harpers Fery pulled into Muscat, Oman, for a two-day port call after participating in exercise Sea Soldier from Dec. 1-8; Participated in exercise Eastern Maverick with the Qatar Navy from Dec. 14-18.

December 20, LSD 49 pulled into Kuwait City, Kuwait, for a two-day port call to offload Lima Company, BLT 3/1 from the 11th MEU in support of a month-long exercise Eager Mace.

December 23, USS Harpers Ferry pulled into Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a three-day port call; Inport Kuwait City from Dec. 28- Jan. 6.

January 16, 1997 The dock landing ship pulled again into Kuwait City for a nine-day upkeep and to backload Marines after conducting Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG).

January 27, The Harpers Ferry moored at Mina Salman Pier in Manama, Bahrain, for a five-day port call; Departed Arabian Gulf on Feb. 3.

February 17, USS Harpers Ferry arrived in Fremantle, Australia, for a six-day port visit to Perth.

March 4, LSD 49 pulled into Brisbane, Australia, for a four-day port call before participating in a combined and joint exercise Tandem Thrust '97, between the U.S. and Australian armed forces at the Shoal Water Bay training area in Queensland, Australia, from March 10-21.

April 2, The dock landing ship pulled into Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a brief stop to embark friends and family members for a Tiger Cruise.

April 10, USS Harpers Ferry returned to Naval Station San Diego after a six-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AoR).

May 27, The Harpers Ferry commenced a four-month Planned Maintenance Availability (PMA) at Naval Station's Pier 9.

October 9, LSD 49 arrived in San Francisco, Calif., for a three-day port visit to participate in annual Fleet Week celebration.

December 13, Cmdr. Randy W. Clark relieved Cmdr. Sam J. Tangredi as CO of the USS Harpers Ferry.

From April 22 through May 1, 1998, the Harpers Ferry was underway for Combined Ship's Qualifications Trials (CSQT) and Engineering Certifications (ECERT); Underway for COMPTUEX 98-14 on June 1.

June 5, USS Harpers Ferry pulled into Portland, Ore., for a three-day port visit to participate in annual Rose Festival.

July 13, The Harpers Ferry departed San Diego to participate in RIMPAC '98 in the Hawaiian Op. Area; Inport Pearl Harbor from Aug. 3-5; Returned home on Aug. 12; Underway for Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) from Sept. 14-25; Underway for Special Operations Capability Exercise (SOCEX) from Oct. 5-15.

December 5, USS Harpers Ferry departed homeport for a scheduled Middle East deployment as part of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) ARG.

December 12, The dock landing ship arrived in Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a two-day port call.

December 30, USS Harpers Ferry anchored in Victoria Harbour for a three-day port visit to Hong Kong.

June 5, 1999 The Harpers Ferry returned to San Diego after a six-month deployment.

July 30, Cmdr. Robert G. Kopas relieved Cmdr. Randy W. Clark as the 4th CO of Harpers Ferry.

From January 11-13, 2000, the Harpers Ferry was underway for Type Training (TYT) in the SOCAL Op. Area; Underway again from Jan. 19-20; Underway for TSTA A from Feb. 1-4 and 8-11th; Underway for TSTA B from March 7-10, 14-17 and 21-23rd; Underway for FEP from April 3-4; Underway for local operations from May 22-26.

May 30, USS Harpers Ferry departed homeport in support of exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2000; Inport Pearl Harbor from June 6-8 to embark Marines from Combat Service Support Detachment 19, members of the Australian Army, Naval Academy and ROTC midshipmen, and Landing Craft Utility 1633 from Beach Master Unit One.

June 29, LSD 49 pulled again into Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a week-long liberty; Returned to San Diego on July 13.

August 1, The dock landing ship moored at naval station Everett, Wash., for a brief stop.

August 3, USS Harpers Ferry arrived in Seattle, Wash., for a four-day port visit to participate in Seafair festivities; Returned home on Aug. 13; Underway again on Oct. 2.

October 6, The Harpers Ferry arrived in Oakland, Calif., for a four-day port visit to participate in Fleet week San Francisco.

From Oct. 16-19, the dock landing ship was underway for local operations and ammo onload at NWS Seal Beach.

From Oct. 30 through Nov. 9, USS Harpers Ferry was underway for COMPTUEX off the coast of southern California; Underway for MISSILEX from Dec. 11-14.

March 13, 2001 USS Harpers Ferry departed Naval Station San Diego for a six-month Middle East deployment as part of the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group.

April 11, Cmdr. Donald Raymond J. Shunkwiler relieved Cmdr. Robert G. Kopas as CO of LSD 49.

August 16, 2002 Cmdr. Bradley D. Martin relieved Cmdr. Donald Raymond J. Shunkwiler as CO of the USS Harpers Ferry during an exchange of command and crew ("hull swap") ceremony with the USS Germantown (LSD 42) at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

September 12, USS Harpers Ferry arrived in its new homeport of Naval Base Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.

October 3, The Harpers Ferry departed Sasebo for a Fall Patrol; Inport White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, for onload from Oct. 5-10.

October 14, LSD 49 pulled into Apra Harbor, Guam, for a five-day port call; Inport Darwin, Australia, from Oct. 25-28 before supporting humanitarian assistance operations off Dili, East Timor.

November 9, USS Harpers Ferry arrived in Hong Kong for a five-day port visit.

November 16, The dock landing ship arrived in White Beach, Okinawa, to disembark elements from the 31st MEU; Returned home on Nov. 21.

January 29, 2003 The Harpers Fery departed Naval Base Sasebo for a two-week training availability in Yokosuka, Japan; Returned home on Feb. 19.

March 3, LSD 49 departed homeport to participate in a 58th annual World War II commemoration of the Battle of Iwo Jima; Inport Okinawa from March 4-8; Anchored off Iwo Jima from March 10-13; Returned home on March 20.

From April 12 through May 6, USS Harpers Ferry was underway for CARAT Interoperability Training in the Philippine Sea; Inport White Beach from April 14-16 and May 2-5.

May 24, The Harpers Ferry departed Fleet Activities Sasebo in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually throughout Southeast Asia that began in 1995, by combining a number of existing exercises to be conducted sequentially by a single U.S. Navy task group.

May 26, The dock landing ship moored at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa, Japan, for a three-day port call to onload Marines and equipment from the 31st MEU.

June 6, USS Harpers Ferry pulled into Sattahip Naval Base for a brief port call before participating in CARAT Thailand; Inport Sattahip again from June 9-10 and 12-14th.

June 16, LSD 49 moored at Changi Naval Base in Singapore for a four-day port visit.

June 19, Cmdr. Humberto L. Quintanilla, II relieved Cmdr. Bradley D. Martin as CO of Harpers Ferry during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship in Singapore.

June 23, USS Harpers Ferry arrived in Muara, Brunei, for a the second phase of CARAT; Underway for at-sea phase from June 26-27; Inport Muara again from June 27-28.

July 3, The dock landing ship pulled again into Singapore for the third phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise; Underway for at-sea phase on July 14.

July 22, The Harpers Ferry arrived in Kuantan, Malaysia, for the fourth phase of CARAT; Offload at Okinawa from Aug. 8-11.

August 13, USS Harpers Ferry returned to homeport after a nearly three-month western Pacific patrol.

From Sept. 2-26, the Harpers Ferry was underway for Blue/Green Workups, ARGEX and SOCEX in the Manila OPAREA, as part of the USS Essex ARG.

September 30, LSD 49 commenced a two-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) while pierside at India Basin; Underway for sea trials from Dec. 3-4; Anchored in Sasebo Harbor from Dec. 5-6 for ammo onload; Underway for testing at Yokosuka Shipboard Electronic Systems Evaluation Facility (SESEF) range from Dec. 7-11; Underway for routine training from Jan. 19-24 and 26-31st.

February 10, 2004 The dock landing ship pulled into Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for an 11-day training availability; Returned home on Feb. 24.

March 3, USS Harpers Ferry departed Sasebo for Blue/Green Workups in the Philippine Sea; Inport White Beach from March 6-8; Offload at Okinawa from March 12-15; Anchored in Buckner Bay on March 15; Returned home on March 18 for emergent repairs.

July 3, The Harpers Ferry arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, for a scheduled port visit.

August 13, USS Harpers Ferry departed homeport for a surge Middle East deployment, as part of the USS Essex ESG 3, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

October 11, LSD 49 pulled into Doha, Qatar, for a three-day visit, marking the first U.S. warship to visit the port in more than two years.

December 24, The dock landing ship is currently serving as Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) for Sailors currently providing security for Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT) and Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT) in the Northern Arabian Gulf (NAG); Backload off Kuwait Naval Base in early March 2005.

April 6, 2005 USS Harpers Ferry returned to Sasebo after an eight-month deployment that included operations in the Arabian Gulf and in support of Operation Unified Assistance, following the Dec. 26 tsunami in Southeast Asia.

May 27, Cmdr. Marlin C. antony relieved Cmdr. Humberto L. Quintanilla, II as commanding officer of LSD 49.

August 23, The annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series ended with the closing of the Philippines phase. The eight-day Philippines phase of the 11th annual exercise series was marked with many milestones, including the first-time operational employment of the U.S. Navy’s Combined Enterprise Regional Information Exchange System (CENTRIXS), a real-time communications capability that gave commanders a comprehensive tactical picture. The Harpers Ferry also participated in CARAT Singapore (May 30- June 13); CARAT Thailand (June 17-26); CARAT Malaysia (July 8-18); CARAT Indonesia ( July 25-29) and CARAT Brunei ( Aug. 4-12).

December 11, USS Harpers Ferry is currently underway for sea trials in the East China Sea after a three-month Selected Restricted Availability (SRA).

January 21, 2006 The Harpers Ferry departed Okinawa for Blue-Green Workups and ARG Exercise (ARGEX) after embarking Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

On Feb. 16, the dock landing ship arrived in Subic Bay, Philippines, for the start of bilateral exercise Balikatan 2006, but was immediately called to assist in the relief efforts in Southern Leyte.

February 28, Sailors and Marines of the Forward Deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HA/DR) operations for the victims of a wide-sweeping mudslide that occurred there on Feb 17. USS Essex and USS Harpers Ferry operated as sea basing platforms for numerous sorties into southern Leyte, bringing relief supplies, equipment and personnel from ship to shore.

March 8, USS Harpers Ferry is currently off the coast of Iwo Jima to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the famous Pacific WWII battle; Returned home on March 14 for a week-long upkeep.

March 24, The Harpers Perry arrived in the Republic of Korea to participate in Reception, Staging, Onward-Movement and Integration (RSOI) and Foal Eagle (FE) 2006.

April 2, LSD 49 arrived in Pohang, Republic of Korea, to offload the ROK Marines and to backload personnel and equipment assigned to the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), after the completion of RSIO/FE 2006.

April 7, USS Harpers Ferry recently arrived in White Beach, Okinawa, for offload before conducting Tailored Ships Training Availability (TSTA).

May 15, The Harpers Ferry recently arrived in Thailand to participate in the 25th annual U.S./Thai exercise Cobra Gold 2006, a combined annual joint training exercise aimed at developing interoperability, strengthening relationships between services and developing cross-cultural understanding among participating nations.

June 13, USS Harpers Ferry returned to homeport after a five-month training cycle known as Spring Patrol.

September 24, The Harpers Ferry is currently underway in the East China Sea for deck landing qualifications.

September 27, The dock landing ship recently arrived in White Beach Naval Facility for onload before Blue/Green Workups with the USS Essex ARG; Departed Okinawa on Oct. 12.

October 15, USS Harpers Ferry is currently at Subic Bay, Philippines, in preparation for Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) '07, from Oct. 16-31. The Essex will primarily support the exercises in Luzon while Harpers Ferry and Juneau (LPD 10) will train in the vicinity of Palawan.

November 14, Cmdr. David L. Bossert relieved Cmdr. Marlin C. Anthony as CO of the USS Harpers Ferry during a change-of-command ceremony abord the ship in White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa.

November 20, Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger relieved Adm. Victor G. Guillory as Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet Amphibious Force and Amphibious Group One, during a change-of command ceremony on board of the Harpers Ferry in Okinawa, Japan.

December 13, The dock landing ship successfully completed a material readiness inspection by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) at Naval Base Sasebo.

January 29, 2007 USS Harpers Ferry completed Amphibious Specialty Training with Amphibious Assault Vehicle launch and recovery exercises. AST is a course of training maneuvers, which was held off the coast of Sasebo and Okinawa, for well deck operations. Harpers Ferry’s AST marks the end of a rigorous training period where Sailors prepared for and executed Unit Level Training and Readiness Assessment Sustainment (ULTRAS), immediately before AST.

March 7, LSD 49 completed Transport Exercise (TRANSPORTEX) 2007 with the Japanese Ship (JS) Ohsumi (LST 4001), off the coast of Japan.

March 12, USS Harpers Ferry recently arrived off the coast of Iwo Jima to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the WWII battle.

March 23, The dock landing ship returned to Sasebo, Japan, after a two-day Tiger Cruise from Okinawa.

May 11, USS Harpers Ferry departed its forward-deployed homeport to participate in the annual exercise series Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2007.

June 8, The first phase of the 13th annual CARAT exercise series ended with a festive ceremony in the multi-purpose hall at Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.

June 18, LSD 49 arrived in Sattahip naval base for the Thailand phase of CARAT exercise.

July 13, The fourth-phase of CARAT started in Singapore with an exercise that will include an estimated 1,500 military personnel, 13 ships, a submarine and the newly-commissioned Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) frigate RSS Formidable (68).

August 3, USS Harpers Ferry arrived in Muara, Brunei, for the fifth phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise.

August 17, The Harpers Ferry is currently underway in support of Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) 2007. SEACAT is a weeklong naval exercise between the U.S. and six Southeast Asia nations that allows participating nations to apply maritime security tactics in dynamic threat situations.

September 26, USS Harpers Ferry returned to Sasebo, Japan, after four-and-a-half-month underway period in the western Pacific.

February 4, 2008 USS Harpers Ferry is currently underway for Blue/Green workups off Okinawa, Japan, in preparation for the Spring Patrol as part of the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group.

From March 10-19, Marines and Sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 31, Battalion Lading Team 2/4 and Sailors from Harpers Ferry participated in a subject-matter exchange program, tactical engineering training and medical/dental civic action projects with Indonesian marines unit around Karentekok, Indonesia.

April 23, The dock landing ship is currently undergoing unit level training assessment-certification off the coast of Japan. An ULTRA-C certification shows a ship's competency in fire fighting, anchoring, small boat attack and various other items evaluated by assessors from Afloat Training Group.

June 26, USS Harpers Ferry returned to homeport after completing the Spring Patrol.

August 23, Cmdr. Marvin E. Thompson relieved Cmdr David L. Bossert as the 9th commanding officer of Harpers Ferry during a change-of-command ceremony in Sasebo, Japan.

September 27, The Harpers Ferry is currently off the coast of Okinawa in preparation for its Fall Patrol.

November 5, LSD 49 is currently participating in Korean Interoperability Training Program (KITP) '09 off the coast of Pohang.

January 29, 2009 The dock landing ship departed Okinawa, as part of the Essex ARG, to participate in annual exercise Cobra Gold, during its Spring Patrol deployment.

May 20, LSD 49 arrived in Cebu City, Republic of the Philippines, for the first phase of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise.

June 22, USS Harpers Ferry, USS Chafee (DDG 90) and USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) recently arrived in Kemaman, Malaysia, for a third phase of CARAT exercise.

July 20, The dock landing ship arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, for the fifth phase of CARAT exercise.

August 13, The Harpers Ferry recently arrived in Singapore to participate in Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SECAT) 2009.

August 31, USS Harpers Ferry returned to Sasebo after a four-month underway period.

September 23, LSD 49 departed homeport for a routine Fall Patrol in support of Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2010 with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

October 4, USS Harpers Ferry and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived in Manila to assist the government of the Republic of the Philippines in their relief efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.

January 25, 2010 The Harpers Ferry departed Okinawa, after onloading personnel and equipment of the 31st MEU, for the annual spring patrol.

February 13, USS Harpers Ferry arrived at the Royal Thai Navy installation in Sattahip to onload personnel and equipment after participating in ground force exercise during Cobra Gold 2010.

February 15, The dock landing ship arrived in port of Laem Chabang for a four-day port visit.

March 15, LSD 49 is currently participating in exercise Balikatan 2010, off the coast of Philippines.

April 2, The Harpers Ferry, along with other U.S. Navy ships, is currently assisting the Republic of Korea (ROK) in search, recovery, and salvage efforts for the ROK Navy frigate Cheonan (PCC-772), which sank March 27 in the Yellow Sea near the western sea border with North Korea.

April 12, Cmdr. Antonio D. Hull relieved Cmdr. Marvin E. Thompson as CO of USS Harpers Ferry during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship.

May 14, The Harpers Ferry arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka for a training availability; Returned to Sasebo on May 27.

September 1, USS Harpers Ferry departed Sasebo for an annual Fall Patrol as part of the Essex ARG; Inport White Beach, Okinawa, from Sept. 5-7.

From September 12-22, LSD 49 participated in exercise Valiant Shield off the coast of Palau and Guam; Inport Subic Bay, Philippines from Oc. 12-18.

October 25, The dock landing ship pulled again into Subic Bay after recently departed Republic of the Philippines to avoid the Typhoon Megi; Returned home on Nov. 9; Underway for local operations from Nov. 17-19; Underway in support of exercise Keen Sword 2011 from Dec. 2-13.

February 11, 2011 USS Harpers Ferry departed homeport for a Spring Patrol; Inport Fleet Activities Yokosuka from Feb. 14-17; Inport Sasebo from Feb. 18-19; Inport White Beach, Okinawa, from March 3-8.

March 11, USS Harpers Ferry is diverted to the coast of Japan to rendezvous with USS Essex and USS Germantown (LSD 42), to prepare for any humanitarian assistance/disaster relief duties, in the wake of a catastrophic magnitude 9.0 earthquake that left thousands dead on Friday. The Harpers Ferry was previuosly scheduled to participate in the Association of Southeastern Asian Nations Regional Forum Disaster Relief Exercise, off the coast of Indonesia, March 14-18.

March 18, USS Harpers Ferry pulled into port of Akita in order to prepare for the initial offload disaster relief equipment and personnel.

April 7, The dock landing ship arrived at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa to disembark components of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

April 8, Rear Adm. Jeffery S. Jones relieved Rear Adm. Richard B. Landolt as Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the Harpers Ferry.

April 11, USS Harpers Ferry returned to Fleet Activities Sasebo after completing a two-month patrol.

April 21, Cmdr. Michael A. Crary took command of the Harpers Ferry during an exchange of command and crew ("hull swap") ceremony with the USS Germantown (LSD 42).

May 15, Cmdr. Brian E. DeLaney relieved Cmdr. Michael A. Crary as CO of LSD 49.

June 10, USS Harpers Ferry arrived at its new homeport of Naval Base San Diego, Calif., after a 39-day transit from Sasebo, Japan. The ship is scheduled to enter dry-dock at General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in August, for a $104 million worth overhaul.

November 14, The Harpers Ferry is currently moored at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Continental Maritime of San Diego.

In July 2012, USS Harpers Ferry returned to Naval Base San Diego for final completion of the Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (E-DSRA).

November 1, Cmdr. Stephen J. Ilteris took command of the USS Harpers Ferry two months earlier than schedule, after Cmdr. DeLaney was injured in a single-motorcycle accident, on his way home from work, on Oct. 30.

June 11, 2013 LSD 49 departed San Diego for a 17-day Amphibious Squadron (Phibron)/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), as part of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) ARG.

July 19, The Harpers Ferry returned to homeport after an 11-day underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), off the coast of southern California; Underway for Certification Exercise (CERTEX) from July 26- Aug. 7.

August 23, USS Harpers Ferry departed Naval Base San Diego for a scheduled deployment as part of the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG).

September 17, The dock landing ship departed Apra Harbor, Guam, after a four-day port call.

September 30, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Breakwater Berth, Port of Mormugao in Goa, India, for a three-day visit before participating in at-sea phase of amphibious joint exercise Shatrujeet.

From October 18-19, the Harpers Ferry offloaded more than 350 Marines and Sailors and 800 tons of vehicles and supplies, while anchored off Kuwait Naval Base, for four weeks of sustainment training exercises; Backload from Nov. 14-15.?

November 30, USS Harpers Ferry departed Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, after a liberty port visit to Dubai.

January 3, 2014 LSD 49 recenty departed Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), Bahrain, after a liberty port visit to Manama; Offload in Kuwait on Jan. 12.

February 3, The dock landing ship moored at Berth 12, Mina Salman Port in Manama, Bahrain, for a brief port call.

March 18, The Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 5, Changi Naval Base in Singapore for a routine port call.

March 31, The dock landing ship recently anchored off Pohang, Republic of Korea, to participate in annual combined exercise Ssang Yong. Inport Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from April 15-17.

April 25, USS Harpers Ferry returned to homeport after an eight-month deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility (AoR).

April 2?, Cmdr. Kelly T. Fletcher relieved Cmdr. Stephen J. Ilteris as the 14th commanding officer of Harpers Ferry.

June 25, BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair was awarded a $14,8 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-4403) for the USS Harpers Ferry's Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA). Work is expected to be completed by November.

August 22, The Harpers Ferry is currently moored at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Continental Maritime of San Diego shipyard.

May 19, 2015 USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 6 on Naval Base San Diego after a week-long underway for sea trials following an extended 10-month availability; Underway for well deck certification from June 1?-23; Underway for routine training from June 26-28 and June 29- July ?; Underway again from July 24-30, Aug. 3-7, Aug. 10-21 and 26-27th.

August 31, USS Harpers Ferry departed San Diego for an 11-day underway to participate in annual amphibious landing exercise Dawn Blitz, off the coast of Camp Pendleton, Calif.

September 21, The Harpers Ferry departed Pier 6, Naval Base San Diego for an 11-day underway to participate in Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 13th MEU, in preparation for upcoming deployment as part of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) ARG.

October ?, Cmdr. John P. Rigby relieved Cmdr. Kelly T. Fletcher as CO of the Harpers Ferry.

October 7, The dock landing ship departed homeport for a day-long Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) assessment; Underway for a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) from Oct. 19- Nov. 6; Underway again from Nov. 13-1?; Underway for Certification Exercise (CERTEX) from Dec. 3-16.

January 22, 2016 LSD 49 moored at Bravo Pier, NAS North Island to on/offload ammo after a three-day underway for a Missile Exercise (MISSILEX); Moored at Berth 2, Pier 6 on Friday afternoon.

February 12, USS Harpers Ferry departed San Diego for a scheduled Middle East deployment.

March 10, The Harpers Ferry anchored off Pohang, Republic of Korea, to participate in amphibious landing exercise Ssang Yong 2016, as part of the annual joint exercise Foal Eagle; Transited the Taiwan Strait southbound on March 20.

March 21, USS Harpers Ferry moored at China Merchants Wharf in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Island, for a four-day liberty port visit; Transited the Strait of Singapore on March 29.

May 9, The Harpers Ferry recently arrived in the Gulf of Aqaba to offload Marines and equipment in Jordan for participation in annual multinational exercise Eager Lion; Transited the Strait of Tiran southbound on May 1?; Transited northbound on May 18; Transited southbound on May 20; Transited northbound on May 25.

May 26, Seaman Connor A. McQuagge died aboard the Harpers Ferry, of a gunshot wound to the head, while the ship was anchored off Jordanian Naval Base, south of Aqaba, for backload.

June 2, The dock landing ship returned to Gulf of Aden after transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait southbound; Transited the Strait of Hormuz on June ?.

June 14, USS Harpers Ferry recently moored at Quay 9 in Port of Jebel Ali, United Arab Emirates, for a liberty visit to Dubai; Anchored off Al Hamra, U.A.E., for an overnight stop on June 30.

July 13, The Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 60, Quay 9 in Port of Jebel Ali, U.A.E., for a five-day liberty visit to Dubai; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on July 18.

August 1, LSD 49 recently arrived off the coast of Banongan Beach, Situbondo, Indonesia, in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise; Entered the South China Sea on Aug. 4.

August 6, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Sepanggar Naval Base in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, for a three-day port visit.

August 16, The Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 3, Sierra Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a routine port call; Inport Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from Aug. 29- Sept. 2.

September 12, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 8 on Naval Base San Diego after a seven-month deployment.

October 14, The Harpers Ferry departed homeport for a routine training and to offload ammunition at the NWS Seal Beach; Moored at Berth 1, Pier 12 on Oct. 21.

November 10, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 8 on Naval Base San Diego after a two-day underway for routine training.

November 14, BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair was awarded a $19,3 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-4403) for the USS Harpers Ferry's Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA). Work is expected to be completed by September 2017.

December 13, The Harpers Ferry moved "dead-stick" from Berth 2, Pier 8 to Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) Continental Maritime of San Diego shipyard.

February 3, 2017 BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair was awarded a $26,7 million modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-12-C-4403) for the Harpers Ferry's PMA. Work is expected to be completed by January 2018.

March 9, Cmdr. Tammy S. Royal relieved Cmdr. John P. Rigby as the 16th CO of Harpers Ferry during a change-of-command ceremony on board the USS Midway Museum.

December 18, USS Harpers Ferry moved "dead-stick" from CMSD shipyard to Berth 5, Pier 1 on Naval Base San Diego; Underway for sea trials on March 23, 2018; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 1 on March 30.

May 17, Rear Adm. Cedric E. Pringle, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3 relieved of duty Cmdr. Tammy Royal due to a "lost of confidence in her ability to effectively lead and carry out assigned duties." Cmdr. Gervy J. Alota assumed temporary command of the LSD 49.

June 26, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 5, Pier 1 on Naval Base San Diego after a one-day underway off the coast of southern California; Moored at Bravo Pier for a brief stop before underway again on July 2; Returned home on July 3.

July 26, The Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 6 on Naval Base San Diego after a 20-day underway, in the SOCAL Op. Area, in support of biennial exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2018; Underway again from Aug. 6-?.

September 10, The Harpers Ferry moored at Bravo Pier, NAS North Island for a brief stop to onload ammo before underway in support of the "Leaders to Sea" program; Returned home on Sept. 13.

September 19, USS Harpers Ferry recently moored at Wharf 3 in Port Hueneme, Calif., for a loading exercise (LOADEX); Returned home on Sept. 2?; Moored at Bravo Pier for a brief stop to onload ammo before underway again on Oct. 15; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 6 on Oct. 19.

October 23, USS Harpers Ferry moored to Berth 2, Broadway Pier in downtown San Diego to participate in annual Fleet Week celebration; Moored at Bravo Pier for a brief stop before underway on Oct. 29.

October 29, Cmdr. Janice A. Pollard relieved Cmdr. Gervy J. Alota as CO of the Harpers Ferry during a change-of-command ceremony aboard the ship, while underway off the coast of San Diego.

December 19, The Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 6 on Naval Base San Diego after underway for a Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise, as part of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) ARG.

January 28, 2019 USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 6 after a 13-day underway for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT), with the 11th MEU; Underway again on Jan. 31; Moored at Wharf 4 in Port Hueneme from Feb. 4-8; Returned home on Feb. 10; Underway for ARG/MEUEX from Feb. 12-20; Underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) from March 15- April 1.

April 24, The Harpers Ferry moored at Bravo Pier for a brief stop to onload ammo before underway off the coast of southern California; Brief stop at Bravo Pier again before moored at Berth 2, Pier 6 on April 25.

May 1, USS Harpers Ferry departed San Diego for a scheduled Middle East deployment.

May 15, The Harpers Ferry moored at Pier H4 on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for a one-day port call after participated in a sustainment training exercise off the coast of Oahu; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Richard E. Byrd (T-AKE 4), while underway northwest of Guam, on May 27; Moored at Berth 5, Victor Wharf in Apra Harbor from June 3-4.

June 7, USS Harpers Ferry transited the Surigao Strait southbound on late Friday night; Transited the Strait of Singapore westbound on June 12; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), while underway in the Bay of Bengal, on June 17.

June 30, The Harpers Ferry conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) and USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14), while underway in the Gulf of Aden; Transited the Strait of Hormuz northbound on July 18; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn on July 19.

July 21, LSD 49 commenced offload of Marines and equipment, while anchored off Kuwait Naval Base, for a sustainment training at the Udairi Range complex; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Big Horn again on July 22; Transited the Strait of Hormuz southbound on July 23.

August 3, USS Harpers Ferry conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), while underway in the Gulf of Aden; Inport Duqm, Oman, for upkeep from Aug. ?-12; Transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait northbound on Aug. 18; Transited the Strait of Tiran, in support of the annual multinational exercise Eager Lion, on Aug. 21; Transited southbound on Aug. 29.

September 14, The Harpers Ferry recently transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait southbound; Transited the Malacca Strait on Sept. 29; Transited the Strait of Singapore eastbound on Sept. 30; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Richard E. Byrd on Oct. 8.

October 10, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Conventional Terminal in Port of Muara, Brunei, for a four-day visit in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) on Oct. 15.

October 28, The dock landing ship moored at Berth 1, Victor Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a week-long port call; Moored at Wharf B25 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from Nov. 13-18; Arrived off Camp Pendleton for offload on Nov. 24.

November 27, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 12 on Naval Base San Diego following a seven-month deployment.

January 2, 2020 General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO) was awarded a $98,1 million contract for the USS Harpers Ferry's Phased Maintenance Availability (PMA). This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $119 million and the work is expected to be completed by December.

January 15, The Harpers Ferry returned to homeport after a one-day underway off the coast of southern California; Underway again on Jan. 20; Moored at Wharf 311 on Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach for ammo offload from Jan. 2?-24; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 5 on Jan. 26; Entered the graving dry-dock at 32nd Street on March 9.

April 24, Cmdr. William A. Fensterer relieved Cmdr. Janice A. Pollard as CO of the Harpers Ferry during a short ceremony in the ship’s pilot house.

August 30, USS Harpers Ferry undocked, on late Sunday night, and moored at Berth 4 on NASSCO shipyard; Moved "dead-stick" to Berth 5, Pier 4 in Naval Base San Diego on March 10, 2021; Underway for sea trials from July 26- Aug. 2.

August 13, Cmdr. Eric Winn relieved Cmdr. William A. Fensterer as the 20th CO of LSD 49 during a change-of-command ceremony on board the ship.

September 10, USS Harpers Ferry departed Naval Base San Diego for routine training in the SOCAL Op. Area; Moored at Bravo Pier for a brief stop to onload ammo on Sept. 17; Anchored at A-173 from Sept. 21-22; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 2 on Oct. 5; Moved to Berth 2, Pier 10 on Oct. ?; Underway again from Oct. 22- Nov. 1.

November 3, The Harpers Ferry departed homeport for routine training in the SOCAL Op. Area; Anchored at A-170 for an overnight stop on Nov. 11; Returned home on Nov. 12; Underway again from Nov. 15-19, 22-24 and 26th.

December 3, USS Harpers Ferry anchored off the coast of Camp Pendleton Harbor for a brief stop to onload Marines and vehicles, from the 1st Marine Division, before participating in amphibious exercise Steel Knight 22; Returned home on Dec. 12.

February 11, 2022 USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 10 on Naval Base San Diego after a two-day underway off the coast off southern California; Underway again on Feb. 16; Moored at Berth 5, Pier 4 on Feb. 18; Underway again from Feb. 22-23.

April 4, The Harpers Ferry departed Naval Base San Diego for routine training in the SOCAL Op. Area; Brief stop at Bravo Pier to onload ammo before returned home on April 8; Underway again from April 19-22.

April 28, The Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 10 on Naval Base San Diego after a two-day underway in the SOCAL Op. Area.

May 4, USS Harpers Ferry departed San Diego for a scheduled independent deployment; Moored at Wharf 311, NWS Seal Beach for ammo onload from May 5-6.

June 9, The Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 3, Tango Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, for a one-day port call; Arrived in the SOCAL Op. Area on July 14; Moored at Navy Fuel Farm (NFF) for a brief stop to refuel on July 15; Anchored off Camp Pendleton for a brief stop on July 16; Moored at Wharf 311, NWS Seal Beach for ammo offload from July 18-19.

July 19, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 5, Pier 8 on Naval Base San Diego following a two-and-a-half month deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet AoR.

September 30, The Harpers Ferry departed homeport en route to San Francisco, Calif., to participate in annual Fleet Week celebration; Anchored in San Francisco Bay for a brief stop before moored at Pier 35 South on Oct. 3; Brief underway for Parade of Ships on Oct. 7; Departed San Francisco on Oct. 11; Anchored off Camp Pendleton for a brief stop on Oct. 13.

October 17, LSD 49 moored at Wharf 4 in Port Hueneme, Calif., for a four-day port call; Conducted operations off the coast of Camp Pendleton on Oct. 25; Anchored off Camp Pendleton for a brief stop on Oct. 26; Returned home on Oct. 27.

December 14, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 5, Pier 8 on Naval Base San Diego after a 15-day underway in support of amphibious landing exercise Steel Knight 23, with the elements of 1st Marine Division, off the coast of Camp Pendleton and San Clemente Island.

February 15, 2023 USS Harpers Ferry departed homeport for routine training in the SOCAL Op. Area; Anchored off Camp Pendleton for a brief stop on Feb. 17; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 8 on Feb. 21.

April 7, Cmdr. Gabriel D. Burgi relieved Cmdr. Eric Winn as CO of the Harpers Ferry during a change-of-command ceremony in the ship's well deck.

April 26, USS Harpers Ferry departed Naval Base San Diego in support of a joint field training exercise Northern Edge 23, in the Gulf of Alaska; Arrived off the east coast of Kodiak Island on May 3; Moored at Pier 2 in Port of Kodiak, Alaska, for a brief stop to refuel on May 4; Moored at Petroleum and Cement Terminal in Port of Anchorage from May 5-7; Moored at Pier 2 in Port of Kodiak from May 19-21.

May 23, The Harpers Ferry transited southbound, off the west coast of Graham Island, British Columbia; Moored at Colwood Fuel Farm on Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt, B.C., from May 25-30; Conducted operatioins in the Strait of Juan de Fuca on May 30.

June 5, USS Harpers Ferry moored at Berth 2, Pier 8 on Naval Base San Diego; Moored at Bravo Pier for a brief stop to onload ammo before underway for Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) cruise on June 14; Returned home on June 15; Underway again on July 5; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 10 on July 10; Underway again from Aug. 28-29 and Oct. 4-6.

October 27, The Harpers Ferry departed homeport for a Surface Warfare Advanced Tactical Training (SWATT) exercise, as part of the USS Boxer (LHD 4) ARG, and Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT) with the 15th MEU; Moored at Berth 2, Pier 10 from Oct. 31- Nov. 1 and Nov. 21.

December 6, The Harpers Ferry moored at NFF on Naval Base Point Loma for a brief stop to refuel before underway for ARG/MEUEX; Moored at Berth 1, Pier 8 on Dec. 21; Underway for Certification Exercise (CERTEX) on Jan. 3; Moored at Wharf 311, NWS Seal Beach for ammo onload from Jan. 19-26; Returned home on Jan. 27.

March 19, 2024 USS Harpers Ferry departed San Diego for a scheduled deployment.

March 23, The Harpers Ferry anchored off the coast of Camp Pendleton for a brief stop to conduct onload; Conducted a replenishment-at-sea with the USNS Pecos (T-AO 197), while underway southeast of San Clemente Island, on March 25; Moored at Berth 4/5, Victor Wharf in Apra Harbor, Guam, from April 10-13; Transited the Luzon Strait westbound on April 17.

From April 20-21, the Harpers Ferry conducted offload off the coast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan, in support of exercise Balikatan 24; Moored at Port of Puerto Princesa on April 22.