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USS Ponce to become floating base
Updated: Monday, 30 Jan 2012, 5:36 PM EST
Published : Monday, 30 Jan 2012, 4:31 PM EST
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - It was scheduled for decommissioning, but it looks like the USS Ponce will stay afloat.
According to Navy Spokesman LCDR Mike Kafka, the ship will be used as a floating base to support operating forces in the Persian Gulf.
"In order to fulfill a long standing USCENTCOM request for an Afloat Forward Stating Base (AFSB) to be located within their area of responsibility, the Austin Class Amphibious Transport Dock ship, USS PONCE (LPD 15), will delay its scheduled decommissioning to serve as an interim AFSB until a permanent solution can be identified. USS Ponce will be redesignated as AFSB(I) 15 (I for "Interim")," Kafka said in a written statement.
The ship will be operated jointly by active-duty Navy officers and sailors, as well as government civilian mariners. The USS Ponce will be modified to support mine-sweeping MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopters.
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