USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5) was an Ashland-class dock landing ship in the United States Navy, named in honor of Gunston Hall, the estate of George Mason (1725–1792), one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
Originally designated APM-5, Gunston Hall was launched 1 May 1943 by the Moore Dry Dock Company, Oakland, California, sponsored by Mrs. Harvey S. Haislip; and commissioned 10 November 1943.
USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5)
USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5) underway, soon after recommissioning in March 1949.
USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5) launches PACV c. 1967.
ARA Cándido de Lasala
Ashland-class dock landing ship
The Ashland-class dock landing ship were the first class of dock landing ship of the United States Navy. They were built during World War II. A dock landing ship is a form of auxiliary warship designed to support amphibious operations. Eight ships were built for the United States Navy and they remained in US service until the 1960s. Two of the class were sold for export overseas, with one joining the Republic of China Navy and the other the Argentinian Navy. The two transferred ships stayed in service until the 1980s. All eight ships were scrapped.
USS Ashland underway off Cape Henry, Virginia, 20 May 1953
USS Oak Hill (LSD-7) underway off San Francisco in April 1944
USS Gunston Hall (LSD-5) underway, soon after recommissioning in March 1949
LSM-175 about to enter the well of USS Carter Hall (LSD-3) in San Diego Bay, Spring 1951