USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166)

• Unique Name: USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166) was the only US Navy ship named after Washtenaw County, Michigan. • Commissioning: She was commissioned on 17 January 1953, serving as a tank landing ship (LST) designed to transport tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore. • Vietnam War Deployments: Played a significant role during the Vietnam War, participating in numerous operations, including Operation Market Time and supporting riverine and coastal patrols. • First LST with Helicopter Landing Pad: Washtenaw County was the first LST to be fitted with a helicopter landing pad, enhancing its versatility during Vietnam operations. • Operation Frequent Wind: Assisted in the evacuation of Saigon in April 1975, contributing to Operation Frequent Wind, the final phase in the evacuation of Americans and at-risk Vietnamese. • Support for Mobile Riverine Force: The ship provided logistical support to the Mobile Riverine Force, a joint Army-Navy task force operating in the Mekong Delta, vital for riverine warfare. • Multiple Awards: Earned 15 campaign stars for Vietnam service and the Navy Unit Commendation for her outstanding combat performance. • Decommissioning and Civilian Use: Decommissioned in 1973, the ship was later used as a salmon cannery barge in Alaska and then as an oil exploration support vessel. • Ghost Ship Status: In later years, Washtenaw County became a derelict vessel in the San Francisco Bay, known locally as the "Ghost Ship" due to her deteriorated, abandoned state. • Preservation Efforts: As of the 2020s, veterans’ groups and historical societies have made several attempts to preserve and restore the ship as a museum, recognizing her unique service and history.