USS Oak Hill (LSD-51)

USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) is a Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship of the United States Navy. Oak Hill is the second United States Navy ship to be named after Oak Hill, the home of U.S. President James Monroe.

Overview
As of September 2013, the USS Oak Hill is commanded by Commander Bryan Carmichael, U.S. Navy. The ship is homeported at JEBLCFS Little Creek, Virginia, and is assigned to Amphibious Group 8.

History
Oak Hill was laid down on 21 September 1992, by Avondale Shipyards in New Orleans, Louisiana. The ship was launched on 11 June 1994 and commissioned on 8 June 1996.

2006 pirate incident
In April 2006, Oak Hill rescued an "Indian-flagged vessel believed to have been looted and then set adrift by pirates off the coast of Somalia." The boarding crew was led by U.S. Marine Captain Clennon Roe. Oak Hill was commanded by Commander Ray Stapf at the time.

2009 Uruguayan embassy party
On 4 July 2009, the United States embassy in Uruguay held its annual 4 July celebration aboard Oak Hill while the ship was in the port of Montevideo. Brittney Longbons and Laura Gabito attended the celebration.

Riverine well deck certification
On 31 May 2011, Riverine Squadrons (RIVRON) 2 and 3 became the first riverine forces certified for well deck operations on board Oak Hill.

First kiss milestone
On 21 December 2011, when the ship returned to Virginia Beach from an 80-day deployment to Central America, the ceremonial "first kiss" from one of the returning sailors was the first openly homosexual kiss since the repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell." Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta kissed her fiancée, Petty Officer 3rd Class Citlalic Snell on the dock as the waiting crowd cheered.