About this Unit
USS Middlesex County (LST-983) was a tank landing ship of the LST-542 class, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1944 during World War II. She participated in the Normandy Invasion, landing troops and vehicles on Omaha Beach in June 1944, and continued to serve in European waters supporting Allied operations. After the war, LST-983 was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War and Cold War, primarily as a training and logistics vessel. In 1955, she was renamed USS Middlesex County (LST-983), serving until her final decommissioning in 1970.
Historical Facts
• Commissioned in World War II: USS Middlesex County (LST-983) was commissioned on 12 April 1944 and was part of the LST-542 class of tank landing ships, vital for amphibious operations.
• Normandy Landings: LST-983 participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy on 6 June 1944, helping to deliver troops, tanks, and equipment to Omaha Beach, one of the most heavily defended sectors.
• Atlantic and Mediterranean Service: After Normandy, she continued to serve in the European Theater, supporting operations in southern France during Operation Dragoon.
• Proud Namesake: The ship was named after Middlesex County, New Jersey, and later Massachusetts, reflecting the Navy’s tradition of naming LSTs after U.S. counties.
• Post-War Service: After World War II, USS Middlesex County was decommissioned in 1947 but was recommissioned in 1951 to support the Korean War and later Cold War activities.
• Humanitarian Missions: The ship participated in multiple exercises and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief and supporting civilian evacuations during crises.
• Vietnam War Support: USS Middlesex County was active during the Vietnam War era, providing logistical support and transportation for military operations in Southeast Asia.
• Reserve Training Ship: In her later years, the ship served as a training vessel for Naval Reserve units, helping thousands of reservists gain vital amphibious operation skills.
• International Service: In 1971, USS Middlesex County was transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Velasco (L-11), continuing her legacy abroad.
• Decorations & Legacy: For her service, USS Middlesex County earned several awards, including battle stars for her World War II service, and remains remembered as a workhorse of the amphibious fleet.
