USS SUMTER (LST-1181)

USS Sumter (LST-1181) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1970. Designed to deploy tanks, vehicles, and troops directly onto unimproved shores, she served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet during the Cold War, participating in numerous amphibious exercises and operations. Sumter supported U.S. and allied forces during NATO exercises and was active in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and along the U.S. East Coast. She was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Republic of China Navy, where she served as ROCS Chung Ping (LST-233).