USS Portland was present in several Gulf ports during the first two-months of 2021. For replenishments at sea, she has joined forces with the USNS Pecos T-AO 197 and also exercised with other ships in the 5th Fleet area.
Portland was equipped with a Laser Weapon System Demonstrator or LWSD. It is used for indefinite testing. This is the Navy's most powerful and technologically advanced laser weapon to date. It is also significantly more powerful than the 30-kilowatt class AN/SEQ-3 LaWS that was fitted to former USS Ponce in 2018.
The Navy's use of the laser system in Middle East is a useful tool. Although it is more effective than standard AA guns in the destruction of targets, it must be used in a controlled and safe manner.
For this reason, the ship was deployed to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Gulf in early 2020 to demonstrate the weapon. The Navy will be able to assess how it performs in dangerous environments, and the Navy will have the opportunity to improve its capabilities.
The Portland left its homeport on March 4, 2019 for routine training off southern California's coast. On April 2, the Portland anchorage was closed. On April 3, the Portland Moored at Bravo Pier at Naval Air Station North Island to load equipment. On April 3, the Portland Moored at Bravo Pier at Naval Air Station North Island.
Following this deployment, the Portland returned to its homeport of San Diego. She had undergone a number of repairs and modifications to prepare for her deployment, including a $19 million modification to previously awarded contract.
Throughout her deployment, the Portland conducted numerous amphibious landing exercises, including a Combined Amphibious Task Force Exercise in the Arabian Gulf and a joint amphibious landing exercise in Kuwait. Her crew supported these missions by performing a wide range of tasks. She also partnered with 5th Fleet vessels.
The crews from Portland also participated in maritime security operations off the coasts Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Here they collaborated with other 5th Fleet units to fight terrorism, protect shipping infrastructure, and provide maritime security. They were also part of bilateral maritime exercises with Saudi Arabia, such as Exercise Indigo Defender 21.
This deployment also saw the ship conduct various training and exercises with allied nations, including Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Portland's crews supported their allied counterparts with critical training and support during these engagements.
In addition to her training and exercise activities, the Portland has participated in humanitarian assistance and disaster response events in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. These activities are invaluable in providing assistance and relief supplies to the affected areas. They also help local economies. This has helped to strengthen America's ties with these nations, and increase the chances of peace and stability in the future.