About this Unit
USS Summit County (LST-1146) was a tank landing ship of the LST-542 class, commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945 near the end of World War II. After initial service in the Pacific, she participated in occupation duties in the Far East and supported amphibious operations during the Korean War, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies. In the postwar period, the vessel continued to serve with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, providing logistical support and training services. In 1971, USS Summit County was transferred to the Royal Thai Navy, where she continued her service as HTMS Lanta (LST-4).
Historical Facts
• Commissioned in World War II’s Aftermath: USS Summit County (LST-1146) was laid down on 3 February 1945 and commissioned on 19 May 1945, just after the end of major combat operations in Europe and shortly before Japan's surrender in World War II.
• Part of the LST-542-class: The ship was one of the LST-542-class tank landing ships, designed to transport tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers.
• Postwar Service: Although too late for major WWII battles, Summit County played a crucial role in postwar occupation duties in the Far East, helping stabilize the Pacific region.
• Korean War Operations: The ship saw extensive service in the Korean War, transporting men and materiel to and from the Korean Peninsula, and supporting amphibious operations.
• Arctic Resupply Missions: During the 1950s, Summit County participated in resupply and support missions to remote Arctic bases, showcasing the versatility of LSTs in extreme environments.
• Renamed for a County: On 1 July 1955, the ship was named USS Summit County, after counties in Colorado, Ohio, and Utah, following the Navy’s policy of naming LSTs after U.S. counties.
• Service in Vietnam: The ship was active during the Vietnam War, supporting U.S. and allied operations with logistics, transport, and supply missions along the Vietnamese coast and rivers.
• Transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy: In 1971, Summit County was transferred to Malaysia, where she served as KD Raja Jarom (A-1502), extending her operational life in Southeast Asia.
• Long Service Life: The ship served over 25 years in the U.S. Navy and continued for decades more in Malaysia, exemplifying the durability and utility of LSTs.
• Decorated for Service: USS Summit County earned multiple campaign and service medals for her participation in Korean and Vietnam War operations, honoring her contribution to U.S. military efforts.
