About this Unit
USS Fresno (LST-1182) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1969. Designed for rapid loading and unloading of tanks, vehicles, and troops, she served primarily in the Pacific Fleet. Throughout her career, USS Fresno participated in numerous amphibious operations, training exercises, and humanitarian missions, including deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. After over two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1993 and later struck from the Naval Vessel Register.
Historical Facts
• Amphibious Warfare Role: USS Fresno (LST-1182) was a Newport-class tank landing ship, designed to transport tanks, heavy vehicles, and troops directly onto shore during amphibious assaults.
• Launched in 1968: The ship was launched on 28 September 1968 by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California, and commissioned into service on 22 November 1969.
• Named After a City: USS Fresno was named after the city of Fresno, California, continuing the tradition of naming LSTs after U.S. counties and cities.
• Vietnam War Service: Shortly after commissioning, Fresno was deployed to the Western Pacific and supported operations during the final years of the Vietnam War, including the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 (Operation Frequent Wind).
• Unique Bow Ramp Design: Unlike earlier LSTs, the Newport-class featured a 112-foot aluminum bow ramp supported by two derrick arms, allowing for faster loading and unloading of vehicles.
• Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat roles, USS Fresno participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions.
• Cold War Exercises: The ship routinely participated in joint amphibious exercises with allied navies in the Pacific, reflecting its role in Cold War readiness.
• Decommissioned in 1993: After over two decades of service, USS Fresno was decommissioned on 8 April 1993 as part of post-Cold War reductions in the U.S. Navy.
• Laid up in Reserve: After decommissioning, the ship was laid up in the reserve fleet at Suisun Bay, California, awaiting final disposition.
• International Transfer: In 2010, the ship was transferred to the Mexican Navy, where she was renamed ARM Usumacinta (A-412) and continues to serve in amphibious and humanitarian roles.
