For the first time, shipmates who served aboard the USS Ogden LPD-5 gathered in Ogden for their annual reunion, recognizing the legacy of a naval vessel named after the city. Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski marked the occasion by signing a proclamation honoring the service members' efforts.
A portion of Mayor Nadolski’s proclamation acknowledged the ship's lasting impact. It stated that the ship's true legacy resided in the men and women who served aboard her, and the sacrifices they made. The proclamation further noted that the name of the USS Ogden should always remind residents that the ship represented more than steel machinery, but also the enduring bonds carried for a lifetime.
The USS Ogden LPD-5 was commissioned in 1965 and dedicated over four decades to combat efforts during significant periods in U.S. history, including the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. The ship was christened in 1964 by Janice Shupe Burton, wife of then-U.S. Congressman from Utah, Laurence J. Burton.
Many shipmates expressed a deep connection to the vessel, particularly those with local ties. Douglas Parker, who served on the USS Ogden from 1976 to 1979 as a boiler technician in the engine room, grew up in Ogden. He recalled providing steam for the ship's operations and expressed his pride in serving on a vessel named after his hometown, noting he felt "fortunate to be stationed aboard the USS Ogden, named after my hometown." Parker reflected on their collective mission to serve the country and his honor in doing so, noting how special the ship was to all of them, adding that they had a mission for their country and fulfilled it.
Howard Lincoln, another shipmate who served on the USS Ogden, hails from Washington Terrace. Lincoln described his role in operating the ballast tanks to sink the ship down, allowing for the launch of Marine Corps amphibious crafts. He stated the ship made significant contributions to the war effort and to the United States through its support of operations throughout Vietnam. Lincoln also shared a personal sentiment that, despite being far from home, serving on the USS Ogden made him feel connected to Ogden.
Loren Argall, who served from 1971 to 1973, recounted a specific mission during the Vietnam War, explaining that they were involved in going to Da Nang to transport Marines returning home.
While Ogden is widely recognized as a railroad town, the USS Ogden LPD-5 represents another facet of the city's historical legacy, embodying decades of service on the high seas. The reunion brought together those who carried that legacy, allowing them to honor their shared experiences and the ship that bore the city's name. The shipmates’ gathering in Ogden served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made and the enduring bonds forged during their time serving the nation.
