USS Washoe County LST-1165
The USS Washoe County (LST-1165) was a tank landing ship built for the U.S. Navy after World War II. Her keel was laid on March 6, 1952, at Christy Corporation in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. She launched on June 21, 1953, and was commissioned on December 30, 1953. This ship was part of a push to modernize the Navy's amphibious forces during the Cold War, highlighting the need for quick deployment and logistical support in potential conflict areas.
Named after Washoe County in Nevada, the ship followed the tradition of naming tank landing ships after U.S. counties. This practice helped connect the Navy with the American public. Washoe County itself is named after the Washoe people, an indigenous group from the area. So, the name LST-1165 honored both local heritage and the broader American landscape.
The USS Washoe County was built for amphibious operations. She was 384 feet long, with a beam of 56 feet, and displaced about 4,080 tons when fully loaded. Her large bow door and ramp allowed tanks, vehicles, and troops to offload directly onto unimproved shorelines. She also had a well deck that could be flooded for landing craft, making her versatile in different scenarios. For defense, she was armed with twin 3-inch/50 caliber guns, among other weapons, to protect against aerial and surface threats.
During the Cold War and Vietnam War, the USS Washoe County had a significant impact. She played a key role in many amphibious operations, supporting ground forces and showcasing the Navy's power projection. Her history includes major exercises and deployments, proving the strategic value of tank landing ships in modern naval warfare. Her service record highlights the ongoing importance of amphibious capabilities in the Navy's mission.
The USS Washoe County was part of the Terrebonne Parish-class of tank landing ships, designed to improve on earlier LST designs from World War II. This class had better speed, cargo capacity, and crew habitability. Built for amphibious assaults, these ships enabled the rapid deployment of heavy equipment and personnel onto hostile shores. They marked a significant advancement in the Navy's amphibious warfare capabilities, reflecting lessons from past conflicts and preparing for future needs.
Commissioned on December 30, 1953, the USS Washoe County quickly became a key player in the Navy's amphibious forces. Her commissioning began a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Throughout her service, she showcased the versatility and effectiveness of the Terrebonne Parish-class design, participating in missions from peacetime training to active combat. Her contributions underscored the critical role of tank landing ships in maintaining maritime dominance and supporting ground operations.
USS Washoe County LST-1165: Structure, Technology, Armament, and Weaponry
The USS Washoe County (LST-1165) was actually a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship, not a Newport-class. These ships were known for their robust and versatile design. Measuring about 384 feet in length with a beam of 56 feet, they had plenty of space for transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment. Built with high-tensile steel, they were tough enough to handle the challenges of amphibious operations. The ship's design included a bow ramp and a stern gate, making it easy to load and unload cargo directly onto shore. This was crucial for amphibious assaults and logistical support missions.
When it came to technology, the USS Washoe County was equipped with cutting-edge navigation and communication systems for its time. It had radar and sonar systems that boosted its operational capabilities, helping it navigate through different maritime environments and spot potential threats. The communication suite featured both high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency radios, ensuring reliable contact with other naval units and command centers. The ship also had advanced engine and propulsion systems, giving it a top speed of around 14 knots and a range of about 14,000 nautical miles, making it a strong asset for long-range missions.
In terms of armament, the USS Washoe County was equipped with a variety of weapons to defend against surface and aerial threats. Its primary armament included twin 3-inch/50 caliber dual-purpose guns, capable of engaging both aircraft and surface targets. These were complemented by several 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft cannons, adding extra layers of defense against enemy aircraft. The ship also had provisions for mounting machine guns and other small arms, useful for repelling boarding attempts or engaging smaller, fast-moving targets.
The ship's weaponry was further enhanced by its ability to carry and deploy various types of landing craft and amphibious vehicles. It could transport and launch LCVPs (Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel) and LCMs (Landing Craft, Mechanized), essential for delivering troops and equipment directly to shore under combat conditions. This capability was vital for amphibious operations, allowing the ship to support a wide range of missions, from beach assaults to humanitarian aid deliveries. The combination of its structural design, advanced technology, and versatile armament made the USS Washoe County a key asset in the U.S. Navy's amphibious fleet.
Crew Accounts of Time Aboard
The USS Washoe County (LST-1165) holds a special place in the hearts of its former crew members, as evidenced by the memories shared in its guestbook. These recollections paint a vivid picture of camaraderie, adventure, and the lasting bonds formed aboard the ship.
Francis Boelke, who served as an E3 in 1967, reflects on his post-Navy life, having retired as a Supervisor of Mechanics for the New York City Board of Education after 37 years of service. Now, he enjoys the tranquility of fishing in Moriches Bay, Long Island, New York.
John Burger, an ETN3 in 1968, has dedicated himself to reconnecting with his former shipmates. Since 1998, he has successfully located over 300 crew members, though he notes that some have passed away over the years. Burger emphasizes the importance of not delaying in reaching out and provides his contact information for those interested in reconnecting.
Kirwan John, who served as a SK-3 in 1967, fondly recalls his time in the Navy as one of the best periods of his life, second only to raising his children. Growing up on a ranch in South Dakota, he found a new family aboard the USS Washoe County, where he made lasting friendships with sailors like A. Jackson, Neal, and Peterson. He particularly enjoyed his time in Naha.
Bernie La Fianza, a LT(JG) in 1964, encourages former crew members to join the USS Washoe County Association and attend their annual reunions. He highlights the 10th annual reunion held in San Diego, California, in September 2009.
Walter Marlow, who served as a SN in 1968 and retired as an E6, is on a quest to reconnect with old friends like Binford, Novak, and Sonsting, reminiscing about the times they all drank together.
Dennis A. Steenbergen, an EN 3 in 1966, shares a poignant memory of his brother Ed, who also served aboard the Washoe County from 1965 to 1967 as an EN 3. Ed passed away in June 1993 from a massive heart attack, leaving behind cherished memories of their shared service.
Kenneth Thompson, a SM3 in 1965, stumbled upon the ship's information while searching online. He invites anyone who remembers him to reach out via email, hoping to rekindle old friendships.
These shared memories from the USS Washoe County (LST-1165) guestbook highlight the enduring connections and significant impact that serving aboard the ship had on its crew members. Each story is a testament to the strong bonds formed and the lasting legacy of their time in the Navy.
USS Washoe County LST-1165: Upgrades, Mission Capabilities, and Contribution to the Fleet
The USS Washoe County (LST-1165) had quite a journey during its time with the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1953, it was part of the LST-542 class, built for amphibious operations. Over the years, it got some impressive upgrades. In the 1960s, it received new radar and communication systems, boosting its navigation and coordination. These changes were key to keeping the ship up-to-date with the fast-paced advancements in military tech.
The ship's mission capabilities were pretty diverse and adapted to the Navy's evolving needs. It was designed to transport vehicles, cargo, and troops right onto shore, no docks needed. This made it crucial for amphibious assaults and logistical support. During the Vietnam War, the USS Washoe County played a big role, moving Marines and gear to vital combat zones. Its ability to navigate shallow waters and deliver supplies directly to the front lines was a game-changer for the Navy's logistics.
But it wasn't all about combat. The USS Washoe County also took part in humanitarian and peacetime missions. It helped with disaster relief, providing aid to areas hit by natural disasters. Its versatility meant it could handle a range of non-combat tasks, showing off the adaptability of the LST class. These missions highlighted the ship's flexibility and the Navy's dedication to global humanitarian efforts.
The USS Washoe County was known for its reliability and versatility. Throughout its service, it was a real workhorse, tackling a variety of tasks in tough conditions. Its strong design and continuous upgrades kept it a vital part of the Navy's amphibious forces. The ship's legacy is a testament to the value of well-designed, adaptable naval vessels, emphasizing the importance of a versatile and responsive fleet.
USS Washoe County LST-1165: Deployments, Role in Major Conflicts, Awards, and Commendations
The USS Washoe County (LST-1165) was a real powerhouse in the U.S. Navy. Commissioned in 1953, this ship was part of the LST-1156 class, not the LST-542 class. It was built for amphibious operations, and over the years, it got some serious upgrades. In the 1960s, it was fitted with advanced radar and communication systems. These upgrades were game-changers, boosting its navigation and coordination skills. They kept the ship relevant as military tech raced forward.
The Washoe County's mission capabilities were pretty impressive. It was designed to haul vehicles, cargo, and troops right onto shore, no docks needed. This made it a key player in amphibious assaults and logistics. During the Vietnam War, it was crucial in several operations, moving Marines and gear to hot zones. Its knack for operating in shallow waters and delivering supplies straight to the front lines made it a logistical hero.
But it wasn't all combat for the Washoe County. The ship also shone in humanitarian and peacetime missions. It took part in disaster relief, bringing aid to areas hit by natural disasters. Its versatility meant it could switch gears for non-combat missions, showing off the adaptability of the LST class. These missions highlighted the ship's flexibility and the Navy's dedication to global humanitarian work.
The Washoe County's contribution to the fleet was all about reliability and versatility. Over its service years, it was a real workhorse, handling a variety of tasks in tough conditions. Its solid design and constant upgrades kept it a vital part of the Navy's amphibious forces. The legacy of the USS Washoe County is a testament to the value of well-designed, adaptable ships, underscoring the strategic need for a versatile and responsive fleet.
USS Washoe County LST-1165 Ship Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Terrebonne Parish Class Tank Landing Ship |
| Commissioned | November 30, 1953 |
| Displacement | 5,800 tons |
| Length | 384 feet |
| Beam | 55 feet |
| Draft | 17 feet |
| Speed | 14 knots |
| Complement | 16 Officers 189 Enlisted |