They’ve trekked to locations such as Boise, Idaho, and Alabama, but one city was notably absent from that list — the ship’s namesake of Ogden.

However, that streak has come to an end as the city played host to the USS Ogden Reunion this week.

Mark Stephens, treasurer of the USS Ogden LPD-5 Reunion Association, told the Standard-Examiner on Wednesday it wasn’t for lack of trying.

“We’ve been trying to do Ogden, Utah, for a while,” he said. “I never got calls back, so we always went to Boise or somewhere else nearby.”

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

However, he said that this year, Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski did take his call.

“The organizers reached out to my office and we jumped at the chance to welcome them,” Nadolski told the Standard-Examiner in an email Wednesday. “Hosting them here mattered, and we wanted to make sure they felt welcomed, appreciated and honored.”

In 2024, the Standard-Examiner reported on the 60th anniversary of the launch of the USS Ogden.

“The amphibious transport dock was the fifth ship of its class and the second ship of the U.S. Navy’s fleet to bear the name ‘Ogden,’ which was given in honor of Ogden, Utah, as well as the British-Canadian fur trapper the city was named for: Peter Skene Ogden,” the Standard-Examiner reported.

The USS Ogden was  launched on June 27, 1964, and commissioned the next year. The USS Ogden would see service in the Vietnam War, Operations Desert Storm/Shield and Operations Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. The ship was decommissioned in 2007 and sunk as part of an exercise in 2014.

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

On Wednesday, Nadolski was on hand to present a proclamation in honor of the reunion and those who served on the USS Ogden throughout its long career.

“Learning the ship’s history and the range of missions was humbling,” he said. “Meeting the veterans made me really proud that Ogden’s name was carried around the world by so many who served.”

He added that it was an honor to recognize those who carried the name “Ogden” around the world for decades.

“Standing there, I kept thinking that these men and women carried our city’s name around the world,” he said. “They did things most of us will never have to face. Being here must have felt like a homecoming for some. Yet on the other hand, some of them had never been to Ogden before, despite serving under our name. So it was important that we show up for them the way they’ve shown up for us. I was deeply honored to recognize them and to say clearly that Ogden stands with them and is grateful for their service to our nation, and for carrying and representing our City’s name so proudly.”

Stephens said he was happy to see the reunion finally arrive at the USS Ogden’s namesake city.

Photo supplied, U.S. Navy via Wikipedia

“I think it’s a good thing because a lot of the guys from when it was first commissioned … are getting old enough where they’re starting to die,” he said. “I’m very pleased to come here and see what the town looks like.”

USS Ogden veteran Charley Adair told the Standard-Examiner he was also impressed with the city.

“It’s a great city, so far, what we’ve seen of it,” he said. “It’s a beautiful place and I like the fact that it’s well taken care of. The downtown area was great. The museum was awesome.”

Stephens said that he’s enjoyed learning everything from the history of Ogden to getting to meet its people.

“We’ve all loved the city,” he said. “The bus driver took us around and took us to the Hill (Air Force Base) Museum and he brought everybody down to 25th Street. … He actually turned around and addressed everyone and burst into tears, emotional that all of these guys that were on the ship, on the Ogden, came here to visit. I’m a lifetime member of the VFW, I’ve been going around and I have been nothing but cordial. People see the Ogden hat, they say, ‘What are you doing here?’ ‘I’m from the Ogden, I was on it.’ Next thing, all kinds of drink tabs are sitting in front of me — free food and drink tabs — everyone is just glad to see us here.”

Stephens said this year’s reunion attracted around 45 veterans who had served on the ship.

“We’ve had as many as 90, but 45 is a good number for Ogden,” he said.

Stephens said that much of the memorabilia from the USS Ogden displayed at this year’s reunion is destined for the Museums at Union Station for potential future display.