The USS Spiegel Grove (LSD-32) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship of the United States Navy. Named after Spiegel Grove, the home and estate in Fremont, Ohio, where Rutherford B. Hayes—the 19th President of the United States—resided, this ship had a remarkable journey.
Here are the key highlights of the Spiegel Grove’s career:
Construction and Commissioning:
The Spiegel Grove was laid down on September 7, 1954, by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
It was launched on November 10, 1955, with Mrs. Webb C. Hayes as its sponsor.
The ship was officially commissioned on June 8, 1956.
Early Operations:
After commissioning, the Spiegel Grove sailed to Hampton Roads and arrived at Norfolk, Virginia, on July 7, 1956.
Its shakedown cruise took it to the Guantanamo Bay area in July 1956, and it returned in September.
Throughout the year, the ship participated in amphibious exercises off Onslow Beach, North Carolina, and transported Army troops to Labrador in November.
Mediterranean Deployment
In January 1957, the Spiegel Grove joined other ships of Transport Amphibious Squadron 4 (TransPhibRon 4) for a tour with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean.
It returned to Norfolk in June and continued operating along the east coast.
Extended Tour and New Assignments:
In 1958, the LSD (dock landing ship) embarked on an extended deployment with its squadron to the 6th Fleet, lasting until October 6.
On October 22, 1958, the Spiegel Grove was assigned to PhibRon 10, the new Fast Squadron.
Operations and Goodwill Tours
The years 1959 and 1960 saw the Spiegel Grove participating in numerous operations along the east coast and in the Caribbean.
In April 1961, it sailed with Task Force 88 (TF 88) for “Solant Amity II,” a goodwill tour to the African coast. During this four-month cruise, the ship visited various countries, including Gambia, Durban, the Malagasy Republic, the Seychelles Islands, Zanzibar, Kenya, the Union of South Africa, Togo, and Gabon, before returning home in September1.
The Spiegel Grove’s legacy extends beyond its naval service. The estate it was named after, Spiegel Grove, also known as Spiegel Grove State Park, Rutherford B. Hayes House, Rutherford B. Hayes Summer Home, and Rutherford B. Hayes State Memorial, holds historical significance. Located in Fremont, Ohio, at the corner of Hayes and Buckland Avenues, it was the home of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th President of the United States2. 🚢🇺🇸🏛️
For those who explore the Spiegel Grove wreck today, it stands as a testament to both naval history and the enduring legacy of President Hayes. 🌊🤿 .
Advanced Open Water Max 135 ft Avg 100 ft Permanent Mooring Balls
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