USS Thomaston LSD-28
The USS Thomaston (LSD-28) was a standout in the U.S. Navy, built to boost the Navy's amphibious capabilities. It all started on March 3, 1953, at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. This shipyard is famous for crafting naval vessels. The Thomaston was part of a post-WWII push to modernize the fleet, readying it for modern maritime warfare. It launched on February 5, 1954, and joined the fleet on September 17, 1954, kicking off a remarkable career.
Named after Thomaston, Maine, the ship honored a town with deep maritime roots. In the 19th century, Thomaston was a hub for building wooden sailing ships, bolstering America's naval and commercial strength. By naming the ship USS Thomaston, the Navy celebrated this legacy, connecting a modern vessel to America's shipbuilding and seafaring past. This link highlighted the need for a strong, adaptable naval force ready to operate worldwide.
The USS Thomaston was a dock landing ship (LSD), designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles. Its well deck could flood, allowing landing craft and vehicles to launch directly into the water. This made the Thomaston crucial for amphibious assaults, supporting everything from beach landings to humanitarian missions.
Throughout its service, the USS Thomaston proved its worth with versatility and reliability. It played a key role in the Vietnam War, transporting troops and equipment. Its ability to support amphibious operations was invaluable, helping the Navy maintain maritime superiority and support ground forces. The Thomaston's service highlights the critical role of amphibious ships in modern naval warfare.
The ship was part of the Thomaston-class dock landing ships, designed to enhance amphibious capabilities. These ships improved on earlier models with larger well decks, more cargo space, and better living quarters for troops. These upgrades made them more effective in supporting amphibious operations, showing the Navy's dedication to a capable fleet.
Commissioned on September 17, 1954, the USS Thomaston quickly became a key player in the Navy's amphibious forces. Its ability to transport and deploy amphibious craft made it essential for projecting power and supporting ground operations. The Thomaston's commissioning was a milestone in the Navy's post-WWII modernization, ensuring the fleet could tackle contemporary maritime challenges.
USS Thomaston LSD-28: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Thomaston (LSD-28) was a Thomaston-class dock landing ship, built to support amphibious operations by carrying and launching landing craft and vehicles. It had a robust and versatile structure, featuring a well deck that could be flooded to launch and recover amphibious craft. At 510 feet long and with a beam of 84 feet, the USS Thomaston displaced about 11,960 tons when fully loaded. Its large, open well deck could accommodate various landing craft, like LCMs (Landing Craft Mechanized) and LCUs (Landing Craft Utility), making it crucial for amphibious assaults and logistical support.
The USS Thomaston was equipped with advanced systems for its time, ensuring it could effectively fulfill its role in amphibious operations. It had a sophisticated ballast system to flood its well deck, facilitating the launch and recovery of landing craft. The ship also boasted radar and communication systems that were state-of-the-art for the era, providing essential situational awareness and coordination capabilities. Its propulsion system consisted of geared steam turbines, enabling the ship to reach speeds of up to 21 knots, ensuring it could keep pace with the fleet and rapidly deploy its amphibious assets.
In terms of armament, the USS Thomaston was outfitted with a range of weaponry for both offensive and defensive capabilities. The primary armament included four twin 3-inch/50 caliber dual-purpose gun mounts, effective against both surface and air targets. These guns provided a robust defensive capability, allowing the ship to protect itself and its embarked forces from aerial and surface threats. Additionally, the ship was equipped with various smaller caliber weapons and machine guns for close-in defense against smaller craft and potential boarding actions.
The weaponry on the USS Thomaston was complemented by its ability to carry and deploy a wide array of amphibious vehicles and landing craft. This included the capability to transport and launch amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs), essential for delivering troops and equipment directly onto hostile shores. The ship's well deck and crane systems allowed for the rapid deployment and recovery of these vehicles, ensuring that the embarked Marine units could be quickly and effectively inserted into combat zones. This combination of structural design, advanced technology, and versatile armament made the USS Thomaston a formidable asset in the U.S. Navy's amphibious warfare arsenal.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Thomaston (LSD-28) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the numerous guestbook posts that recount their experiences aboard the ship. These memories span several decades, from the ship's early days in the 1950s to its final voyages in the 1980s, and they paint a vivid picture of life aboard this amphibious dock landing ship.
**1950s and Early 1960s: The Early Years**
Dean Brooks, who served as an FT3 in 1957, recalls the ship's first WestPac cruise and the memorable shellback initiation ceremony when crossing the equator. Robert Carlson, an E5 in 1959, reminisces about his time on the deck crew and later in engineering, highlighting the camaraderie with his buddy Nick Steckhahn. Chuck Schufer, who served from 1959, mentions participating in three WestPac trips and the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, serving as a boat coxswain among other roles.
**Mid-1960s: Vietnam War Era**
The mid-1960s saw the USS Thomaston heavily involved in the Vietnam War. Richard Baca, a BM1 in 1963, served during this period and later sought to reconnect with shipmates. Thomas Freeman, an FTG-3 in 1962, recalls the ship's missions to Vietnam, including Chu Lai and Da Nang, and a commendation from General Westmoreland. Richard Fowler, a BTFN in 1965, fondly remembers the landings they participated in Vietnam. James Jones, a GMG3 in 1963, speaks highly of the "Gun Gang" and their WestPac cruise.
**Late 1960s: Continued Service in Vietnam**
The late 1960s continued to be a period of intense activity for the USS Thomaston. Stan Baczynski, a LTJG in 1969, enjoyed his tours in the Tonkin Gulf and praised the crew. Robert Elizarde, an ETN-3 in 1969, served after re-enlisting and had duties on one of the LCVPs. Wayne Hayes, an EM3 in 1969, had a harrowing experience assisting with medivac helicopters in Da Nang. Al Potere, a RM2 in 1969, vividly remembers the rides down the Dong Ha River delivering Marines.
**1970s: A Decade of Change**
The 1970s brought a mix of peacetime and continued involvement in Vietnam. Mark Austin, an EN3 in 1970, recalls good times during his WESPAC to Vietnam and the Liberty Cruise. David Carlson, an HTFN in 1974, fondly remembers the WestPac cruise and the Vietnam evacuation operations, Eagle Pull and Frequent Wind. Glen Haendel, a FN Striker to HM in 1974, also participated in these evacuations and cherishes the memories. Bob Church, a RM3 in 1975, has many fond memories and wishes to reconnect with shipmates.
**Late 1970s: Peacetime and Camaraderie**
The late 1970s saw the ship in a more peacetime role, but the camaraderie remained strong. Doc Bradley, an HM2 in 1978, initially hated his time but later wouldn't trade it for the world, praising the captain and crew. Steve Gervais, an IC3 in 1978, remembers reporting aboard in Seattle and sailing to Okinawa before discharge. David Pickron, an MM2 in 1978, reflects on growing up aboard the ship and cherishing the memories.
**1980s: Final Voyages and Decommissioning**
The 1980s marked the final years of the USS Thomaston's service. Al Andrews, a BMSN in 1980, credits the ship with leading to a career with amphibious ships and praises the crew. Randall Carl, an MSSN in 1983, recalls his first WestPac right out of boot camp and the ship running aground in Hawaii. James Flynn, an ET3 in 1983, had the time of his life on his first ship and enjoyed two deployments. Mark McGee, an ET3 in 1983, was onboard for the ship's last voyage and invites shipmates to reconnect.
**Memorable Moments and Lasting Friendships**
Throughout these decades, certain themes emerge: the strong bonds formed among the crew, the memorable experiences during WestPac cruises, and the significant events such as the Vietnam evacuations and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Crew members like Richard Gonzales, a BM1 in 1982, and Bobby Vaughn, an E-2 in 1982, recall the challenges and camaraderie that defined their service. Others, like Kenneth Huddleston, an EM2 in 1967, and Gordon Thompson, an MM3 in 1967, remember the good times and the lasting friendships.
In summary, the memories shared by the crew members of the USS Thomaston (LSD-28) reflect a rich tapestry of experiences, from the ship's early days to its final voyages. These recollections highlight the enduring bonds formed aboard the ship, the significant events they participated in, and the lasting impact of their service.
USS Thomaston LSD-28: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Thomaston (LSD-28) was a remarkable ship that saw many upgrades during its time with the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1954, it was a dock landing ship designed to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles. Over the years, it got some serious tech boosts—better radar, improved communication gear, and upgraded propulsion systems. These changes kept it in the game longer and made it even better at handling complex amphibious missions.
The Thomaston was a real workhorse. It could handle all sorts of naval operations, but its main job was to help with amphibious assaults. It could deploy landing craft, vehicles, and troops right onto enemy shores. Its well deck was big enough for multiple landing craft, air cushion vehicles, and amphibious assault vehicles. This made it a key player in getting power ashore. Plus, it had medical facilities, so it could treat casualties during combat. It could also support helicopter operations, which meant it could quickly deploy troops and provide logistical support.
During the Cold War, the Thomaston was a big deal. It took part in training exercises, joint operations, and real-world missions, showing it could handle tough environments. It was especially important during the Vietnam War, supporting amphibious operations and providing crucial logistical support to U.S. and allied forces. Its ability to quickly deploy and sustain combat forces made it a vital part of the Navy's strategy.
But it wasn't just about combat. The Thomaston also played a role in humanitarian missions and disaster relief. Its versatility meant it could respond to natural disasters, providing much-needed aid. For example, it was involved in relief efforts after the 1960 earthquake in Chile, highlighting the Navy's commitment to helping out globally. Throughout its service, the USS Thomaston showed off the adaptability and resilience of the Navy's amphibious forces, leaving a legacy of excellence and dedication.
USS Thomaston LSD-28: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Thomaston (LSD-28) had a remarkable service record, marked by deployments all over the world. Commissioned in 1954, this dock landing ship was built to transport and launch amphibious craft and vehicles. Throughout its life, Thomaston sailed to strategic spots like the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Mediterranean Sea. These missions were crucial for keeping the U.S. Navy ready and able to respond to threats and crises.
During the Vietnam War, Thomaston was a key player in several major operations. It was vital in deploying Marine and Army units, supporting amphibious assaults and logistics. Notably, Thomaston took part in Operation Starlite in 1965, the first major offensive by a purely U.S. military unit in the Vietnam War. Its ability to quickly deploy troops and gear onto contested beaches made it invaluable in countering the Viet Cong and supporting South Vietnamese forces.
Beyond the Vietnam War, Thomaston was involved in peacetime operations and humanitarian missions. Its versatility allowed it to help in disaster relief, providing aid to victims of natural disasters in the Pacific. These missions highlighted the Navy's commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster response, showing Thomaston's ability to adapt beyond traditional combat roles.
Thomaston's outstanding service didn't go unnoticed. Over its active years, the ship earned numerous awards and commendations, reflecting the crew's dedication and professionalism. It received multiple Navy Unit Commendations and Meritorious Unit Commendations for exceptional performance in both combat and peacetime. The ship also earned several campaign medals, including the Vietnam Service Medal with multiple campaign stars, underscoring its extensive involvement in the conflict. These honors are a testament to Thomaston's significant contributions to the U.S. Navy and its lasting legacy in naval history.
USS Thomaston LSD-28 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Thomaston Class Dock Landing Ship |
| Commissioned | September 17, 1954 |
| Displacement | 11,525 tons |
| Length | 510 feet |
| Beam | 84 feet |
| Draft | 19 feet |
| Speed | 21 knots |
| Complement | 304 Crew 300 Troops |