The USS Portland visited several ports in the Gulf region during the first two months 2021. She has teamed up with the USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) for replenishments at sea and exercised with other ships from the 5th Fleet area of operations.
For indefinite testing, a Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (or LWSD) was placed on Portland. This is the Navy’s most technologically advanced and powerful laser weapon. It is also much more powerful than the 30-kilowatt AN/SEQ-3 LaWS which was fitted to the USS Ponce in 2018
The laser system is a valuable tool for the Navy to use in the Middle East. It's more effective than the standard AAA gun at eliminating targets, but it needs to be used safely.
For this reason, the ship was deployed to the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Gulf in early 2020 to demonstrate the weapon. This will enable the Navy to evaluate how well it performs in a dangerous environment, while also giving the Navy an opportunity to develop and improve on its capabilities.
On March 4, 2019, the Portland departed its homeport for routine training off the coast of southern California; Anchored at Coronado's Anchorage 171 on April 2; Moored at Bravo Pier, Naval Air Station North Island for a brief stop to onload equipment on April 3; Moodered at Navy Fuel Farm, Naval Base Point Loma for a brief stop to refuel before mooring at Berth 2, Pier 8 on April 5.
After this deployment, Portland returned home to San Diego. In preparation for her deployment she had completed a series of repairs and modifications, including a $19million modification on a 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. She partnered with other 5th Fleet ships for these missions, and her crews performed a wide variety of tasks to support these efforts.
Additional maritime security missions were also conducted by the Portland's crews off the coast of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. There, they collaborated with other 5th Fleet units in combating terrorism and protecting shipping infrastructure. They were also part of bilateral maritime exercises with Saudi Arabia, such as Exercise Indigo Defender 21.
The ship also conducted various exercises and training with allies, including Canada, Australia and Great Britain. Portland's crews provided crucial training and support for their allies during these engagements.
Portland participated in exercise and training activities as well. She also took part in humanitarian response events and aid to disaster victims in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. These activities have been invaluable in the delivery of relief supplies, assistance to the residents of these regions, and bolstering local economics. This has helped to strengthen America's ties with these nations, and increase the chances of peace and stability in the future.