USS San Antonio Embodies Texas Namesake's Heritage

The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) transits the Persian Gulf in this photo taken October 24. Iwo Jima is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Starkey.)

An MH-60S Sea Hawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26 passes by the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) during a vertical replenishment, October 2. San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann.)

Focus on Defense:

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea, Oct. 31, 2008 -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) shares more than just the name of Texas city throughout the ship, there are constant reminders and mannerisms that allude to the rich history of the city of San Antonio.

San Antonio's historical roots are the foundation for the city that is rapidly moving forward into the 21st century, much like the technologically advanced LPD, which builds on accomplishments of prior LPDs and steams towards the future.

"USS San Antonio is the most high-tech, advanced amphibious ship ever built," said former Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton at the ship's announcement ceremony in 1996. "It is an honor to name such an important new combat ship after San Antonio, the site of the battle of the Alamo."

"The battle of the Alamo inspires persistence, determination, and ultimate victory," stated Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio's commanding officer. "LPD 17 carries these qualities within her wherever she sails."

San Antonio's motto, "Never Retreat, Never Surrender" comes from the speech made by Lt. Col. William Barret Travis in 1836 at the battle of the Alamo.

"I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under [General] Santa Anna," said Travis. "I have sustained a continual bombardment and cannonade for 24 hours and have not lost a man. I shall never surrender or retreat!"

San Antonio's mess deck "King Ranch Café" borrows its name from the cattle grounds in San Antonio, Texas, where cattle were herded and raised for food.

"The names on the backs of the chairs in the mess decks are the names of the people who fought in the battle of the Alamo," stated Kastner.

The San Antonio-area Navy League extended an open invitation to USS San Antonio to attend two annual festivals in the city, the Battle of the Alamo Remembrance and navy week.

"During the month of April, the city remembers the Battle of the Alamo and the fight the citizens of the city put up to defend the border between the newly forming United States and Mexico," said Lt. j.g. Kathleen Friel, the ship's navigator. "Later in the year during the month of November, San Antonio celebrates navy week.

The festivals give Sailors the opportunity to attend dinner receptions, parades and the Alamo remembrances."

The city of San Antonio also boasts several military installations.

"The city of San Antonio has a rich history of military members in all branches and is affectionately called 'military city USA' because of the five military bases located within its limits," added Kastner.

To further their relationship with the city, USS San Antonio has recently started an adopt-a-school partnership with a local elementary school.

"USS San Antonio was looking for a partnership program with a school in San Antonio, Texas, and Dorie Miller Elementary School was selected," said Kastner.

Continued ties to the city of San Antonio will assure that future Sailors and Marines who serve aboard LPD 17 remember and honor the ship's proud heritage.

San Antonio is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct maritime security operations (MSO). MSO helps develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

(Report by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs.)

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