BR Note: Although the article below states that INS Jalashwa (former USS Trenton LPD 14) was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 17 January 2007, the actual commissioning occurred on 22 June 2007. The former date indicates the transfer of ownership from the United States Navy to the Indian Navy and is not to be confused with the commissioning date, which is the act or ceremony of placing a warship in active service with a country's naval fleet.

U.S. Navy decommissions Trenton, transfers to Indian Navy
[US Navy Newstand, 17 January 2007]

By Tyler Jones, Mass Communication Specialist Seaman

Norfolk, Virginia: The amphibious transport dock ship USS Trenton (LPD 14), was decommissioned on January 17th in a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. Immediately following the decommissioning, the Trenton was recommissioned and transferred to the Indian Navy, bearing the name INS Jalashwa (Sea Horse). The event marks the first time a U.S. Navy vessel has been transferred to the Indian Navy. "Trenton will continue to serve all the free nations of the world, just as she served the United States, as we expand the 1000-ship Navy," said Rear Admiral Garry Hall, Commander, Amphibious Group 2. In recent months, the crew of Trenton has been working alongside Indian sailors, training them to operate the ship efficiently and safely. The first commanding officer of INS Jalashwa, Indian Navy Captain B.S. Ahluwalia, expressed his gratitude to the crew of Trenton and praised their professionalism. "Today's transfer is a significant event in the growing relationship between our two countries and our two navies," said Captain Ahluwalia.

Commissioned in March 1971, Trenton took part in numerous humanitarian operations, including the evacuations of American civilians from Liberia in 1996 and from Lebanon in 2006. In addition, in 1991, Trenton was responsible for evacuating the U.S. and Soviet ambassadors and 193 foreign nationals from Somalia. During Trenton's final deployment, the ship took part in maritime security operations off the Somali coast of eastern Africa. Trenton's last commanding officer, Commander Samuel Norton, spoke proudly and fondly of his crew and time aboard the ship, saying that without such an outstanding crew, Trenton would not have been the same. "It's people that have made Trenton what she is today, and its people that will keep the memory of Trenton alive," Commander Norton said. Trenton employed a crew of approximately 415 Sailors and could embark nearly 1,000 Marines. The ship was a member of the Austin Class amphibious transport dock ship. The ship is 570 feet in length and displaces approximately 17,000 tons when fully loaded. The Austin Class of vessels are currently being replaced by the newer, more-modern San Antonio Class of LPDs (Landing Platform Dock).

Images Courtesy - United States Navy