About this Unit
USS Boulder (LST-1190) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy on 4 June 1971. Designed to support amphibious operations, she featured a unique bow ramp for rapid vehicle and cargo deployment. Throughout her service, Boulder participated in numerous training exercises, deployments in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and supported NATO operations during the Cold War. The ship was decommissioned on 28 February 1994, marking over two decades of service before being struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
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Commissioning and Class: USS Boulder (LST-1190) was commissioned on 4 June 1971 as the twelfth ship of the Newport-class tank landing ships, designed to replace the aging LSTs from World War II.
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Named After a City: She was named after the city of Boulder, Colorado, reflecting the Navy’s tradition of naming LSTs after American cities and counties.
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Newport-Class Innovation: Unlike earlier LSTs, the Newport-class featured a distinctive bow ramp supported by two derrick arms, enabling faster loading and unloading of vehicles and cargo.
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Vietnam War Service: USS Boulder was deployed to the Mediterranean and also participated in the final years of the Vietnam War, supporting logistics and amphibious operations.
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Lebanon Peacekeeping: In 1982, Boulder took part in the multinational peacekeeping force off the coast of Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War, supporting U.S. Marines on the ground.
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Humanitarian Missions: Boulder was involved in several humanitarian operations, including disaster relief and evacuation missions, demonstrating the versatility of LSTs beyond combat roles.
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Unique Propulsion: The ship was powered by six diesel engines, driving two shafts, and could reach speeds up to 20 knots—unusually fast for an LST.
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Training and Exercises: Boulder participated in numerous NATO and joint amphibious exercises, strengthening alliances and interoperability with allied forces.
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Decommissioning and Fate: USS Boulder was decommissioned on 28 February 1994 after 23 years of service, and was eventually sold for scrapping in 2000.
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Crew Legacy: The ship's motto was "Ready, Reliable, Responsive," and many of her crew members have formed veteran associations to keep the memory and camaraderie of their service alive.
