The USS Ashland and the USS Henry Clay
In the history of the United States Navy, three vessels have been named for Henry Clay or his estate.
The USS Ashland LSD-1
The USS Ashland LSD-1 under way in the 1960s.
The first ship was the USS Ashland (LSD 1). This vessel was commissioned on June 5, 1943 as the first of a new class of ships designed to deliver troops and equipment in support of amphibious assaults. The USS Ashland saw significant action in the Pacific Theater in World War II and received seven battle stars. The ship remained in service until decommissioning on November 22, 1969. At this time, the first USS Ashland was sold into civilian service. The ship’s bell was installed on the grounds of the Ashland Estate in 199.
The USS Henry Clay SSBN 625
The USS Henry Clay heads out to sea. Photo taken at her launch on November 30, 1962.
The USS Henry Clay was a nuclear powered Polaris Missile submarine commissioned on February 20, 1964. The USS Henry Clay saw duty all over the world as part of America’s cold war nuclear arsenal. She was decommissioned on November 5, 1990. After decommissioning, the sub was recycled.
The USS Ashland LSD-48
The USS Ashland LSD-48 today serves as part of our current naval fleet.
The second ship named in honor of Clay’s estate, the USS Ashland LSD-48, was commissioned on May 9, 1992 and is currently on active duty. It is a modern version of the original USS Ashland LSD 1 and now serves in amphibious operations in support of the global war on terror.
The bell from the USS Ashland LSD-1 is now proudly displayed at Ashland as part of a monument to the brave sailors who served on her and to those currently serving on the LSD-48.
The Henry Clay Memorial Foundation and Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, salute and support the brave men and women who have brought honor to Henry Clay’s legacy through their service on these vessels.
