USS Portland made many port calls in Gulf Region during the first half of 2021. She has teamed with the USNS Pecos(T-AO 197) to replenish at sea and exercised alongside other ships from the 5th Fleet.
A Laser Weapon System Demonstrator, or LWSD, was installed on Portland for indefinite testing. 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. This system is far more effective than the standard AA gun in terms of destroying targets. However, it should be used in a safe and controlled way.
In early 2020, the ship was to be deployed to the Gulf of Aden to demonstrate its weapon. This will allow the Navy to test how the ship performs in dangerous conditions, as well as give the Navy the opportunity to continue to improve and develop its capabilities.
On March 4, 2019, Portland set sail from its homeport to conduct routine training off the coast in southern California. Anchored at Coronado’s Anchorage 171 on April 2 and Moored on Bravo Pier, Naval Air Station North Island on April 3. Mooded at Navy Fuel Farm on Naval Base Point Loma on April 3 for a short stop to refuel.
Following this deployment, the Portland returned to its homeport of 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.
During her deployment the Portland participated in many amphibious lands exercises. This included a Combined Amphibious Task Force Exercise at the Arabian Gulf and a joint amphibious landing exercise at Kuwait. For these missions, she teamed up with other 5th Fleet ships and her crews did a variety of tasks to support them.
In addition, the Portland's crews conducted maritime security missions off the coast of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where they worked with other 5th Fleet units to combat terrorism and protect vital shipping infrastructure. They were also part of bilateral maritime exercises with Saudi Arabia, such as Exercise Indigo Defender 21.
This deployment also saw the ship perform various training and exercises alongside allied nations such as Canada and Australia. Portland's crews were able to provide critical support and training for their allied partners during these engagements.
Portland has taken part in emergency response events in India and the Pacific Oceans, in addition to training and exercising. 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.