USS Catamount (LSD-17)

• Commissioned in WWII: USS Catamount (LSD-17) was commissioned on 9 April 1945, just as World War II was drawing to a close, and quickly served in the Pacific theater. • First of Her Kind: She was the lead ship of the Catamount-class dock landing ships, setting standards for future LSD designs. • Operation Crossroads: In 1946, Catamount participated in “Operation Crossroads,” the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll, supporting the historic nuclear experiments. • Korean War Service: Catamount was among the first dock landing ships to see action in the Korean War, transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment for amphibious assaults. • Inchon Landing: She played a crucial role in the famous Inchon Landing in September 1950, one of the most daring amphibious operations in history. • Arctic Operations: In the early 1950s, Catamount participated in Arctic supply missions, supporting the construction and resupply of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line. • Minesweeping Support: She was among the first LSDs to be outfitted to carry and support minesweeping boats during Korean War operations. • Vietnam War Service: Catamount served multiple tours in the Vietnam War, supporting amphibious landings, troop movements, and logistics. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship also participated in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, including assistance to Japanese communities after typhoons. • Decommissioning and Fate: After a distinguished 23-year career, USS Catamount was decommissioned on 31 March 1970 and eventually scrapped in 1974.