About this Unit
USS Calhoun County (LST-519) was a tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy during World War II. Laid down in September 1943 and launched in January 1944, she participated in pivotal operations in the European Theater, including the Normandy invasion. After the war, she was redesignated and served in various logistical and support roles, including the disposal of radioactive waste during the early Cold War. The ship was eventually decommissioned in 1963 and subsequently sunk as a target.
Historical Facts
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USS Calhoun County (LST-519) Background: Originally commissioned as USS LST-519 during World War II, she was later renamed USS Calhoun County (LST-519) in 1955, honoring Calhoun counties in multiple states.
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World War II Service: LST-519 participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy, supporting the Allied invasion by delivering tanks, vehicles, and troops onto the beaches.
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Nicknamed "The Dump Ship": In the 1950s and 1960s, she became known for her role in disposing of surplus and obsolete munitions, nuclear waste, and other materials at sea, earning her the unofficial nickname.
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Longest Continuously Commissioned LST: By the time of her decommissioning in 1963, she was the oldest and longest-serving LST in the US Navy.
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Nuclear Waste Disposal: The Calhoun County was involved in the disposal of radioactive waste, including materials from the Manhattan Project and other nuclear programs, in the Atlantic Ocean.
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International Missions: Besides Atlantic operations, she undertook missions to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and supported US military bases abroad.
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Crew Superstitions: Sailors reportedly believed the ship was "jinxed" due to the hazardous nature of her cargo and missions, with various accidents and mishaps fueling these rumors.
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Decommissioning and Final Fate: USS Calhoun County was decommissioned in November 1963 and subsequently sunk as a target off the Virginia Capes in 1964.
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Medals and Honors: For her wartime service, she earned one battle star for her participation in the Normandy invasion.
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Controversy and Legacy: In recent decades, declassified documents and media reports have highlighted the environmental and health impacts of her dumping operations, leading to renewed public and veteran interest in her story.
