About this Unit
USS Tioga County (LST-1158) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed for amphibious operations, she served primarily in the Atlantic Fleet before being deployed to the Western Pacific, where she supported logistics and landing exercises. During the Vietnam War, Tioga County played a crucial role in transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to combat zones along the South Vietnamese coast. After nearly two decades of service, she was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines, where she served as BRP Benguet (LT-507).
Historical Facts
• Commissioning and Class: USS Tioga County (LST-1158) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship, commissioned by the United States Navy on 16 March 1953.
• Named After Counties: The ship was named after counties in New York, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma, following the US Navy tradition of naming LSTs after counties.
• Cold War Service: During the Cold War, USS Tioga County was actively involved in amphibious training operations along the US West Coast and Pacific region, contributing to America's rapid deployment capabilities.
• Far East Deployments: The ship made several deployments to the Western Pacific, participating in exercises with allies and supporting US military presence in Asia.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: USS Tioga County played a role in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis by supporting the US naval blockade and readiness operations during the tense standoff with the Soviet Union.
• Vietnam War Involvement: The ship supported US operations in Vietnam, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies crucial for amphibious assaults and logistical missions throughout the conflict.
• Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, the USS Tioga County participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief and evacuation operations in the Pacific region.
• Decommissioning and Reserve Status: She was decommissioned from active Navy service on 1 May 1972 and entered the reserve fleet, reflecting changes in US amphibious warfare strategy.
• Service in Military Sealift Command: After her Navy career, she served as USNS Tioga County (T-LST-1158) with the Military Sealift Command, providing logistical support until her final retirement.
• Final Fate: The ship was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 1973 and disposed of, marking the end of service for a vessel that had played a versatile role in mid-20th-century naval history.
