About this Unit
USS Jerome County (LST-848) was a tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in November 1944 during World War II. She participated in Pacific Theater operations, notably supporting the Okinawa campaign by transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment. After the war, LST-848 served in occupation duties in the Far East before being decommissioned in 1946. Recommissioned during the Korean War, she later supported operations in the Vietnam War, and was eventually transferred to the Republic of Vietnam in 1970.
Historical Facts
• World War II Service: USS Jerome County (LST-848) was a tank landing ship commissioned in December 1944, serving in the Pacific Theater during the final months of World War II.
• Okinawa Campaign: She participated in the Battle of Okinawa, arriving in April 1945 to deliver troops and vital equipment under the threat of kamikaze attacks.
• Post-War Occupation Duties: After Japan’s surrender, LST-848 was involved in occupation duties, transporting personnel and supplies to support the stabilization of post-war Japan.
• Decommissioning and Reserve: The ship was decommissioned in July 1946 and placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, where she remained for over a decade.
• Reactivation for Korean and Vietnam Era Needs: Renamed USS Jerome County (LST-848) in 1955, she was recommissioned in June 1960 to serve new roles amid Cold War tensions.
• Vietnam War Service: Jerome County was deployed multiple times to Vietnam, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies for riverine and amphibious operations in the Mekong Delta.
• Operation Market Time: She participated in Operation Market Time, a U.S. Navy effort to interdict the flow of supplies to the Viet Cong by sea.
• Humanitarian Missions: The ship also provided humanitarian assistance, including medical aid and disaster relief, to local populations in Southeast Asia during her deployments.
• Final Decommissioning: USS Jerome County was finally decommissioned on 14 September 1970 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day.
• Transfer to Vietnam: After decommissioning, she was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy and renamed RVNS Nha Trang (HQ-505), where she continued to serve until the fall of South Vietnam in 1975.
