The Nassau was one of the Atlantic Fleet's most-deployed amphibious assault ships during the height of the Cold War and beyond. Commissioned in 1979, she answered every call—from peacetime exercises in the Mediterranean to combat operations in Desert Storm. Her Harrier jets and helicopters provided close air support while her well deck launched amphibious tractors into the fight. To the Marines and sailors who served aboard, Nassau was a ship that never asked for a day off.