About this Unit
USS Stark County (LST-1134) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1945 near the end of World War II. Although too late for major combat in WWII, she served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and later participated in postwar occupation duties in the Far East. During the Korean War, LST-1134 provided vital support in amphibious operations, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies. In 1955, she was renamed USS Stark County and continued her service until she was decommissioned and transferred to the Royal Thai Navy in 1966.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Stark County (LST-1134) was named after Stark County, which exists in three U.S. states: Illinois, North Dakota, and Ohio.
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Ship Class: The vessel was a part of the LST-542-class tank landing ships, designed for amphibious warfare and capable of delivering tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore.
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Laid Down and Launched: USS Stark County was laid down on 8 January 1945 by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company in Seneca, Illinois, and launched on 4 April 1945.
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World War II Service: Although built during World War II, Stark County was commissioned too late to see combat in the conflict, being commissioned on 28 April 1945.
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Post-War Duties: After the war, LST-1134 was used to transport occupation forces and supplies, serving in the Far East and supporting the U.S. military’s postwar operations.
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Korean War Service: The ship participated in the Korean War, transporting troops and equipment to and from conflict zones, and assisting in amphibious operations such as those at Inchon.
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Renaming: On 1 July 1955, LST-1134 was officially given the name USS Stark County, after serving for a decade with only her hull number.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy on 15 June 1960 and transferred to the Royal Thai Navy, where she was renamed HTMS Pangan (LST-3).
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Service in Thailand: As HTMS Pangan, the former USS Stark County served for many years, playing a significant role in Thailand’s naval logistics and amphibious capabilities.
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Legacy: The ship earned multiple campaign medals for her service, including the Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal, reflecting a long and varied operational history in two different navies.
