About this Unit
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).
Historical Facts
•
Namesake Connection: USS Sumter (LST-1181) was named after Sumter County, South Carolina, which itself was named for Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter, known as the "Fighting Gamecock."
•
Newport-Class Innovation: As a Newport-class tank landing ship, Sumter featured a unique bow ramp and twin superstructure design, allowing for rapid offloading of vehicles directly onto shore—revolutionizing amphibious operations.
•
Laid Down and Launched: The ship was laid down on August 29, 1968, at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and launched on December 7, 1968—coincidentally on Pearl Harbor Day.
•
Vietnam Era Service: Commissioned on September 20, 1969, USS Sumter was part of the U.S. Navy's response to the Vietnam War, providing critical amphibious lift capability during the conflict.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The vessel participated in several humanitarian operations, including evacuation and relief missions in the Caribbean and Central America, demonstrating the Navy's global reach.
•
Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, Sumter was deployed to the Mediterranean and took part in NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and readiness against potential Soviet threats.
•
Unique Propulsion System: Unlike earlier LSTs, the Newport class—including Sumter—used gas turbine engines, which provided higher speeds (over 20 knots) and improved maneuverability.
•
Operation "Big Lift": In 1973, USS Sumter played a key role in Operation "Big Lift," transporting Army and Marine Corps equipment and personnel for major joint exercises.
•
Transfer to Republic of China Navy: After decommissioning from the U.S. Navy on September 30, 1993, the ship was transferred to Taiwan, where she served as ROCS Chung Ping (LST-519).
•
Long Service Life: Between U.S. and Taiwanese service, the vessel served for over four decades, a testament to the robust Newport-class design and the versatility of amphibious ships.
