March 2008 and March 2010 to celebrate the anniversary of the World War II battle fought there. In 2011, Tortuga participated in disaster relief after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. As part of Operation Tomodachi, the ship transported Japanese Self-Defense Force personnel and equipment from Hokkaido to Honshu island. Divers from the ship helped map and clear debris from the ports of Hachinohe, Aomori and Miyako, Iwate, facilitating both ports to reopen to ship traffic. From 5 to 7 April 2013, Tortuga participated in a joint annual military exercises together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance regional cooperation and effectiveness in the region. More than 8,000 personnel will be conducted the Balikatan exercises. In August 2013, Tortuga completed a hull swap with and then returned to her new homeport of Little Creek, Virginia. References External links at nvr.navy.mil Amphibious warfare vessels of the United States Cold War amphibious warfare vessels of the United States Whidbey Island-class dock landing ships Ships built in Bridge City, Louisiana 1988 ships