Commissioned in the United States Navy from to , she was the first U. Navy ship to be named for a Spanish-descended American war hero. Valdez was named in honor of Hospitalman Phil Isadore Valdez.
Born on 13 April in Dixon, New Mexico. Hospitalman Valdez was killed in action on 29 January while serving as corpsman with the Third Platoon when that unit was flown in by helicopter to provide support for the embattled Hotel Co.
Upon landing Valdez' unit came under heavy sniper fire, and several Marines were wounded. Valdez sprang into action running across open land to an injured Marine while being raked by enemy fire. After helping the first Marine to cover and treating his wounds, Valdez returned to the open and rushed to the aid of a second Marine. Positioning himself as to protect the wounded Marine Valdez was mortally wounded by enemy sniper fire.
As a result of his exceptional courage he was posthumously advanced in rank to Petty Officer Third Class and awarded the Navy Cross. The Valdez was the first U. Valdez spent the following three months in Charleston fitting out and completing final trials. She departed Charleston on 27 October, bound for Guantanamo Bay , Cuba , whence she operated for the next seven weeks.
Upon completion of her shakedown cruise, she returned to Charleston for a month of leave and upkeep followed by inspections and preparations for post-shakedown availability. That availability began on 25 February and ended on 11 April.
