USS Talbot County (LST-1153)

• Commissioning and Name: USS Talbot County (LST-1153) was commissioned on 19 September 1953 and was named after Talbot County, Maryland, following the U.S. Navy tradition of naming tank landing ships after U.S. counties. • Class and Design: She was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship (LST), designed for amphibious operations, capable of carrying tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto unimproved shores. • Service in the Atlantic Fleet: USS Talbot County served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous training exercises and amphibious operations along the U.S. East Coast and the Caribbean. • NATO Operations: The ship took part in several NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and interoperability with European partners during the height of the Cold War. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to military duties, Talbot County was involved in humanitarian relief operations, including disaster relief in the Caribbean, showcasing the versatility of LSTs. • Support for the Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, USS Talbot County was placed on alert to support potential amphibious landings in the Caribbean. • Vietnam War Era Service: While she did not deploy directly to Vietnam, the ship trained Marines and sailors for amphibious assault missions related to the conflict. • Decommissioning and Transfer: USS Talbot County was decommissioned from U.S. Navy service on 28 May 1972 and transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Lesvos (L-172). • Greek Navy Service: Under the Greek flag, the former Talbot County continued to serve for decades, participating in the 1974 Cyprus crisis and various Aegean operations. • Legacy: The ship’s long service life in two navies and her participation in both military and humanitarian missions exemplify the adaptability and enduring value of the Terrebonne Parish-class LSTs.