of Somalia was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the attack. Mid-life extension work on the Ashland, completed in 2012, included normal repair and refurbishment, as well as major alterations to several ship systems. Improvements to the ship's diesel engines, onboard networks, engineering control systems, and power management, and improved capacity for air conditioning and chilled water distribution were made. The biggest long-term change, however, involved the replacement of high-maintenance steam systems with all-electric functionality. In November 2013, Ashland and supported relief operations in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. In August 2015, Ashland with portions of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked conducted Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) in Saipan after Typhoon Soudelor passed through the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Islands. On 25 October 2017, Ashland rescued two American women who were drifting at sea. On 14 March 2018, CNN did a 360° look using VR to share what it feels like to live on the Ashland. The 3:09-minute segment showed both sailors and marines going about their daily routines. In 2018, the Ashland received the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award for the Pacific Fleet. This award is presented annually to the ship with the highest score in the Battle Effectiveness Award, the Battle "E." The Ashland, one of eight active ships in its class, is expected to remain in service and mission-capable to 2038. In December 2020 the U.S. Navy's Report to Congress on the Annual Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels stated that the ship was planned to be placed Out of Commission in Reserve in 2023. In May 2022, Ashland was a part of the Amphibious Ready Group in Sasebo. The 2022 National Defense Authorization Act blocked Ashland's decommissioning and retirement along with three other LSD class dock landing ships. References The ship's history can be found here. External links history.navy.mil: USS Ashland 1995 command history – Naval History & Heritage Command Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships Amphibious warfare vessels of the United States Piracy in Somalia Ships built in Bridge City, Louisiana 1989 ships