USS Vernon County (LST-1161)

• Commissioning and Naming: USS Vernon County (LST-1161) was commissioned on 17 July 1953 and named after counties in Missouri, Wisconsin, and Mississippi. • Class and Design: She was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship (LST), designed for beach landings with tanks, vehicles, and troops. • Early Service: Initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, she supported amphibious operations, training exercises, and logistical missions along the U.S. East Coast and Caribbean. • Transfer to Pacific Fleet: In 1960, Vernon County was transferred to the Pacific Fleet, operating from San Diego and later the Western Pacific. • Vietnam War Service: The ship made multiple deployments to Vietnam, participating in operations such as "Game Warden" and "Market Time," supporting riverine and coastal patrols. • Rescue of USS Card Crew: In 1964, Vernon County played a critical role in rescuing the crew of the USNS Card after the ship was sunk by Viet Cong saboteurs in Saigon harbor. • Operation Frequent Wind: Vernon County took part in the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975, providing emergency transportation for refugees and personnel. • Humanitarian Missions: During her service, the ship also delivered aid, supplies, and medical assistance to remote communities in Southeast Asia. • Decommissioning and Transfer: Vernon County was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy on 12 September 1971 and transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy, where she was renamed My Tho (HQ-800). • Final Fate: After the fall of South Vietnam in 1975, HQ-800 escaped to the Philippines with refugees on board. She was later taken over by the Philippine Navy and renamed BRP Basilan (LT-85).