About this Unit
USS Bristol County (LST-1198) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1972. Designed for rapid deployment of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in amphibious exercises and operations supporting NATO and U.S. interests. Throughout her service, Bristol County was involved in numerous training missions, humanitarian efforts, and readiness operations, notably enhancing the Navy's amphibious capabilities during the Cold War era. Decommissioned in 1994, she was later transferred to the Royal Moroccan Navy, where she continued her service under a new flag.
Historical Facts
• Commissioned in 1972: USS Bristol County (LST-1198) was commissioned on 5 August 1972, becoming the fourth ship in the Newport-class of tank landing ships.
• Named after Multiple Counties: The ship was named after counties named Bristol in five different U.S. states: Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Tennessee.
• Innovative Bow Ramp Design: Bristol County featured a unique 112-foot aluminum bow ramp supported by two derrick arms, enabling rapid vehicle and cargo offloading without beaching the ship.
• Vietnam War Era Service: While commissioned just after the end of major U.S. involvement in Vietnam, the ship was built in response to the logistical needs highlighted during the war.
• Humanitarian Missions: In the 1980s, the USS Bristol County participated in humanitarian operations, including support missions in Central America.
• Amphibious Exercises: The ship frequently took part in large-scale amphibious exercises such as "Team Spirit" in Korea and "Valiant Usher" in the Pacific, demonstrating U.S. readiness and commitment to allies.
• Decommissioning and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned on 29 July 1994 and transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy, where it was renamed KD Sri Inderapura (1505).
• Celebrity Visits: The USS Bristol County hosted Bob Hope and his USO troupe during a tour, providing a morale boost for the crew.
• Fire Incident in Malaysian Service: As KD Sri Inderapura, the ship suffered a major fire in 2009 while docked at the Lumut Naval Base, leading to her decommissioning and eventual scrapping.
• Legacy in Amphibious Warfare: The Newport-class, including Bristol County, marked the transition from traditional WWII-style LSTs to faster, more versatile amphibious ships capable of supporting modern expeditionary operations.
