The San Diego-based amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock arrived in Kodiak, Alaska, on Tuesday for a port visit in conjunction with Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise 2019.
Some 3,000 Navy and Marine Corps personnel are involved in the month-long training exercise in the Aleutian Islands and South Central Alaska. The San Diego-based USS Somerset is also involved in the exercise.
While in port, the Comstock’s crew and embarked Marines from Special Marine Air Ground Task Force Alaska will have the opportunity to participate in community outreach events, such as, participating in a building enhancement project at a local elementary school.
“This is our first visit to Kodiak,” said Cmdr. Kevin Culver, the Comstock’s commanding officer. “Alaska is an extremely strategic location in the Indo-Pacific, and we are proud to represent the U.S. Navy in Kodiak prior to our training. My crew and our Marine Corps partners are very excited to experience the local culture here and engage with the public.”
Commissioned in 1990, the Comstock is the fifth Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship. It’s designed to transport Marine Corps vehicles, and has helicopter landing areas and a well deck for four hovercraft.