USS Frederick (LST-1184)

• 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.