About this Unit
USS Tortuga (LSD-26) was a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1945. Initially serving in the final stages of World War II, she played a vital role in transporting landing craft and supporting amphibious operations. During the Korean War, Tortuga participated in key operations such as the Inchon landings and the evacuation of Hungnam. She continued her service through the Vietnam War, providing essential logistical and amphibious support before being decommissioned in 1970.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Tortuga (LSD-26) was named after the Dry Tortugas, a small group of islands at the end of the Florida Keys, known for their strategic location and military history.
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Class & Type: Tortuga was a Casa Grande-class dock landing ship, designed to transport and launch landing craft and vehicles during amphibious operations.
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World War II Service: Although commissioned on 8 June 1945, Tortuga missed major combat in World War II by just weeks and was used primarily for postwar logistics in the Pacific.
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Korean War Action: During the Korean War, Tortuga supported amphibious assaults, including the famous Inchon landing, and transported prisoners of war and equipment.
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Operation Big Switch: In 1953, she played a role in "Operation Big Switch," the massive exchange of prisoners of war at the end of the Korean War.
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Arctic Operations: In the late 1950s, Tortuga participated in Arctic resupply missions, demonstrating the versatility of LSDs in extreme environments.
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Vietnam War Deployments: Tortuga made multiple deployments to Vietnam, supporting amphibious landings, riverine operations, and serving as a "mother ship" for Patrol Boat, River (PBR) units.
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Rescue Missions: The ship was involved in several rescue missions, including saving the crew of the merchant ship Flying Enterprise in 1960 after it broke apart in a storm.
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Decommissioning and Fate: Tortuga was decommissioned in 1970 after 25 years of service and was eventually sold for scrap in 1974.
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Honors and Legacy: USS Tortuga (LSD-26) earned one battle star for World War II, five for Korea, and seven for Vietnam, reflecting a long and distinguished service record in three major conflicts.
