The USS PONCE is a designated an LPD, an Amphibious Transport Dock. It is in the U.S. Navy’s custom for LPD’s to be named after cities that take their name from explorers. The USS PONCE is the first U.S. Ship to be named after the city of Ponce, Puerto Rico, which is named in honor of Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon. Its mission is to embark, transport, land and support the USMC and Navy elements by sea and air, and to conduct landings or raids to secure beach heads for further prosecution of operations ashore.