History

USS Mesa Verde is the third amphibious transport dock of the San Antonio-class, but it is the first U.S. Navy ship named "Mesa Verde." The ship was christened in January 2005 with a Native American blessing provided by Peter Pino, a tribal administrator of Pueblo Zia. The ship was commissioned in 2007, marking the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park. Mesa Verde’s sponsor was Mrs. Linda Campbell, wife of former Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell.