The Post-Retirement Adventures of the USS Tripoli

The USS Tripoli (LPH-10), shown above in then-and-now views, is a former US Navy amphibious assault ship that was commissioned in 1966. Built to serve primarily as a helicopter landing pad and floating Marine barracks, the Tripoli earned nine campaign stars in the Vietnam War.  On February 18, 1991, during the Gulf War, the Tripoli hit a mine while sailing off the coast of Iraq.  The blast ripped a 16-foot hole below the waterline, but after extensive repairs, the ship returned to duty, and later sailed to Somalia in 1992 to land Marines in Mogadishu as part of Operation Restore Hope.

After a busy career, the Tripoli was decomissioned in 1995 at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California, where it has remained -- in a state of graceful decay -- ever since. Ownership of the vessel was transferred to the Army in 1997, and in 2001, strange, tent-like structures appeared on her decks. Telstar Logistics managed to get aboard once, briefly, in 2002 although we opted to depart before learning more about the work that was underway —and before our luck ran out.

While driving across the Golden Gate Bridge on August 27, 2006, one of our spotters noticed the Tripoli being towed out to sea.  After pulling over to the scenic overlook, a quarter was depoited into a pair of tourist binoculars, and more detailed intelligence was acquired. The tent-like structures had been relocated, and two very large trailer-mounted satellite antennas were visible on the flight deck. Hmmmmmmm...

Further research revealed that the Tripoli has again been drafted into service.  In its second career, the ship is being used as a Mobile Launch Platform for the development of the Pentagon's missile defense program:

The Mobile Launch Platform uses the former USS Tripoli as its launch platform. It is being utilized to provide the ability to present threat azimuth diversity for [ballistic missile defense system] element  tests, and it provides the ability to place Surface Sensors in remote ocean areas.

Recent accomplishments for the MLP are successfully Launching 2 Lance Missiles from the deck, completed Operational and Maintenance Modifications, and developed site plan for the Transportable Telemetry System (TTS).

And sure enough, a few days after the Tripoli was towed out the Golden Gate, the military announced the successful completion of a missile intercept test.

Last week, the Tripoli reappeared. Now tied up in at Pier 80 on San Francisco's southern waterfront (below), teams of workers could be seen coming and going from the gangway, but the the exact nature of their efforts remains unknown. What's next for the Tripoli? That's unknown as well, although if the recent past is any guide, the ship is not likely to spend the remainder of her retirement playing shuffleboard, mahjongg, or bingo.

Historical photos from Steve Stengel a former electronics technician aboard USS Tripoli from 1984-1986: LINK

Comments

[Leslie Schmitt]

I was aboard the Tripoli from Jan 1967 to Jul 1970. I would like to go aboard her one more time.

[Tom Jones]

I also would love to visit the boat. Thanks for posting those pictures.

[Jams Tinch]

I too would love visit and walk the decks again as I did from 10/82 - 3/86 and in Somalia.

[PHSailor]

She is sitting in Pearl Harbor now...

[Jim C]

As a Marine I served on the Tripoli for a short time in the early 70's and would love to see her one more time.

[Jim Wise]

USS Tripoli docked at Mare Island on 20 October 2008 at 17:00 local assisted by 2 tug boats. The two "work tents" erected on the flight deck near the island are still there.

[Dave Stone]

I too served aboard the Tripoli for the 77-78 West PAC as COMM supervisor (ETN2) in OE division. I am glad to see that she is remembered fondly. I remember that it was (mostly) a great time and we saw a good deal of the western pacific. Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Philipines, etc, etc ...

[dale toews]

I served aboard the Tripoli from june 1968 to may 1971, including 2 tours in viet-nam. I would really enjoy seeing her again!

[Frank Canko]

Served aboard her in 68 to 70. Will never forget the starboard list and her dedicated crew.

[Richard Weygint]

I was aboard the USS Tripoli as a Marine with 1st battalion, 5th marines Philipines and Hong Kong 1983

[Billy D Willard]

I was wounded aboard USS Tripoli during Desert Storm on 18 Feb 1991 when we took the mine hit off the Kuwait coastline. Enemy action put the ship out of the fight as we cross decked to USS New Orleans. Is it possible to be able to embark Tripoli at some point, if so please advise on how I can make a trip aboard just for an hour or so, it would be painful but would mean an awful lot. I am posting this email on 18 Feb the day I was wounded aboard 18 years ago.

[Cody Green]

I am looking for my biological father. I beleive his name is Henry Wrisky or Risky. I am not sure of the spelling. I know that he was a Marine onboard in 1983, July time frame. I would like to know any information to help me better understand where I come from. You may have known my mom as Eliza or Liza. I am a Marine CH-46E mechanic. Please call 805-233-4570 or e-mail @ cgreen@venturacountystar.com

[Barry Daniel]

I was an Engineman onboard the Tripoli from 69-71...Barry

[Richard C. Glover]

the tripoli was my first ship right out of "A" School Rmsn when i first saw her she was Majestic in stature and to see her now its not like old time for me. I spent 4yrs onboard her and met a lot of old friends if anybody out there remembers me Rich Glover let me know, like you all i sure would like to see her again.

[Bob Oles]

Served aboard Tripoli in Feb 1991. Was cross decked to Denver while Tripoli went north to conduct mine sweeping ops.I was with 5thMarines and cross decking back to the Tripoli when received word she and Princeton were hit. Hats off to the crew of Tripoli they did a phenomenal job. Bob Oles