From Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, Vol. V (1979), pp. 360

A seaport city in Cumberland County, southern Maine, and largest city in thte state; a seaport in Oregon.

(LSD-37: dp. 13,650; l. 553'; b. 84'; dr. 21'; s. 20+ k.; cpl. 793; a. 8 3"; cl. Anchorage)

The second Portland was laid down 21 September 1967 by the General Dynamics Corp., Quincy, Mass., launched 20 December 1969; sponsored by Mrs. Leonard F. Chapman, Jr. wife of General Chapman, the commandant of the Marine Corps; and commissioned 3 October 1970, Captain Martin M. Zenni in command.

As the second of a new class of LSD's, Portland is longer and can go faster than any other class of LSD.