About this Unit
USS Frederick (LST-1184) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed for amphibious operations, she was capable of transporting tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docking facilities. Throughout her service, Frederick participated in numerous exercises and deployments in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, supporting U.S. and allied operations, including humanitarian missions and training exercises. Decommissioned in 2002, she was later transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she continues to serve as ARM Usumacinta (A-412).
Historical Facts
• Class & Type: USS Frederick (LST-1184) was a Newport-class tank landing ship, designed for amphibious operations and capable of delivering tanks, troops, and vehicles directly onto shore without docks or piers.
• Namesake: The ship was named after the city of Frederick, Maryland, honoring its historical significance and support during American conflicts.
• Commissioning: USS Frederick was commissioned on April 11, 1970, at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, becoming the seventh ship in her class.
• Innovative Design: Unlike previous LSTs, the Newport-class featured a sleeker hull and a 112-foot aluminum ramp over the bow, allowing much faster speeds (over 20 knots) and more efficient offloading of cargo.
• Vietnam War Service: Frederick participated in the Vietnam War, providing critical logistics and amphibious support during the conflict.
• Gulf War & Humanitarian Missions: The ship supported operations during the Gulf War and was also involved in various humanitarian missions, showcasing the flexibility of LSTs for both combat and relief work.
• Length of Service: USS Frederick served the U.S. Navy for over 30 years before being decommissioned on October 5, 2002.
• Transfer to Mexico: After decommissioning, the ship was transferred to the Mexican Navy in 2002, where she was renamed ARM Usumacinta (A-412) and continues to serve in amphibious and disaster relief roles.
• In Popular Culture: USS Frederick appeared in several naval exercises and documentaries, and her class's innovative ramp design has been featured in military engineering studies.
• Legacy: USS Frederick and her sister ships marked the end of the classic tank landing ship era for the U.S. Navy, transitioning amphibious warfare strategy to more modern and versatile platforms.
