ROCKLAND — The U.S.S. Oak Hill, LSD 51 (originally LSD 7), will anchor in Rockland Harbor for the Maine Lobster Festival this year.

The U.S.S. Oak Hill is the second ship named for the residence of the fifth president of the United States, James Monroe. The first Oak Hill (LSD 7) was commissioned Jan. 5, 1944, designed to serve as a cargo and transport type amphibious ship and as a floating dry dock. U.S.S. Oak Hill (LSD 7) participated in operations and performed duties throughout World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Throughout its service, Oak Hill earned five battle stars during World War II and an additional six battle stars in Vietnam.

U.S.S. Oak Hill (LSD 51) was commissioned June 8, 1996, and is a Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship. Shortly after commissioning, Oak Hill (LSD 51) served as command and control ship for the recovery of TWA Flight 800 wreckage. Among its varied duties, the ship served in 2002 in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, provided humanitarian assistance to Haiti in 2005, and has served a variety of deployments in support of the Global War on Terror.

As in previous years, tours of the vessel will be available for three days during Maine Lobster Festival, and are currently scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 4 and Friday, Aug. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 6 from 1 to 5 p.m. These dates and times are subject to change.

In addition, crew members of U.S.S. Oak Hill and the U.S. Coast Guard, stationed in Rockland, will also escort the Sea Princesses on the Main Stage for the Maine Sea Goddess Coronation and in the annual parade.

Learn more about U.S.S. Oak Hill, LSD 51, by visiting the United States Navy's website.

Related link:

• Maine Lobster Festival: 13 Sea Princesses vying for Sea Goddess crown

About the Maine Lobster Festival
The Maine Lobster Festival attracts thousands of people to Maine's Midcoast region, and has a long tradition of giving back to the local community. In recent years, the Festival committee has given more than $500,000 to the local community through support for Midcoast Regional Child Development Services, Trekkers, Meals on Wheels, and much more. For more information about the Maine Lobster Festival, visit the website, find them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter at @MELobsterFest.