USS Tulare LKA 112

• Commissioned in 1956: USS Tulare (AKA-112/LKA-112) was commissioned on January 10, 1956, serving as an attack cargo ship for the United States Navy. • Naming Origin: The ship was named after Tulare County in California, following the tradition of naming attack cargo ships after counties in the United States. • First of Her Class: USS Tulare was the lead ship of her class and was purpose-built as an attack cargo ship, designed to carry troops, heavy equipment, and landing craft. • Korean War Service: Although commissioned after the Korean War armistice, Tulare participated in post-war operations, supporting U.S. interests in the Pacific. • Vietnam War Operations: Tulare served extensively in the Vietnam War, conducting amphibious assault landings and transporting troops and cargo to various combat zones. • Operation Frequent Wind: In April 1975, Tulare participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American personnel and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon as South Vietnam fell. • Humanitarian Missions: The ship was involved in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in Asia and the Pacific. • Distinctive Design: Tulare featured a large cargo hold and numerous landing craft, allowing her to deliver men and materials directly onto contested beaches. • Decommissioned in 1986: After 30 years of service, USS Tulare was decommissioned on March 31, 1986, and subsequently struck from the Naval Vessel Register. • Final Fate: The ship was sold for scrap in 2011, ending her long and varied naval career.