About this Unit
USS Sutter County (LST-1150) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1945 near the end of World War II. Designed to transport tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without the need for docks, she served primarily in the Pacific theater during her early years. After World War II, the ship participated in occupation duties in the Far East and later supported operations during the Korean War. USS Sutter County was eventually decommissioned in 1969 and transferred to the Republic of the Philippines, where she continued service as RPS Aurora (LT-508).
Historical Facts
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Commissioned in the Late WWII Era: USS Sutter County (LST-1150) was commissioned on 13 March 1945, near the end of World War II, as part of the LST-542-class tank landing ships.
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Named After Sutter County, California: The vessel was named in honor of Sutter County, located in the Sacramento Valley of California, reflecting the Navy’s tradition of naming LSTs after U.S. counties.
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World War II Service: Although commissioned during WWII, she saw limited action due to the timing, but was instrumental in post-war occupation duties in the Far East, particularly in China and Japan.
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Korean War Operations: USS Sutter County played a vital role during the Korean War, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to support United Nations forces on the Korean Peninsula.
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Support During the Vietnam War: The ship was active during the Vietnam War, providing amphibious support, logistical operations, and troop landings in South Vietnam.
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Multiple Commendations: She earned several battle stars and commendations for her service during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, reflecting her vital contributions in multiple conflicts.
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Post-Navy Career: After decommissioning from the US Navy in 1969, the ship was transferred to the Philippine Navy, where she served under the name RPS Aurora (LT-508).
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Versatile Design: As an LST-542-class ship, Sutter County was engineered to land tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers, making her extremely versatile in amphibious operations.
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Long Service Life: The vessel served for over two decades in the US Navy and continued her operational life for years in the Philippine Navy, demonstrating the durability of her class.
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Legacy and Preservation: While the ship itself was eventually scrapped, her legacy continues through the stories of sailors who served aboard her and her significant roles in three major conflicts.
