USS WESTCHESTER COUNTY

• Commissioned During WWII: USS Westchester County (LST-1167) was commissioned on 1 March 1954, originally constructed as a tank landing ship (LST) for use in amphibious operations. • Named After a New York County: She was named after Westchester County in the state of New York, following the tradition of naming LSTs after U.S. counties. • Vietnam War Service: The ship played a significant role during the Vietnam War, supporting riverine and amphibious operations as part of the "Brown Water Navy." • Infamous Sabotage Incident: On 1 November 1968, the USS Westchester County suffered a Viet Cong sabotage attack while anchored in My Tho, Vietnam, resulting in the deaths of 25 U.S. servicemen and severe damage to the vessel. • Largest Loss of Life for a U.S. Ship in Vietnam: The sabotage attack remains the deadliest single incident for a U.S. Navy ship during the Vietnam War. • Extensive Repairs and Return to Service: Despite extensive damage, the ship was repaired and returned to operational status, continuing her Vietnam service until 1969. • Role in Operation Game Warden: The ship frequently served as a mobile base for river patrol boats (PBRs), helicopters, and SEAL teams during Operation Game Warden. • Support for Amphibious Assaults: USS Westchester County supported numerous amphibious assaults, logistical missions, and troop deployments throughout Southeast Asia. • Decommissioned in 1973: She was decommissioned and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 September 1973. • Sold to the Philippines: The ship was transferred to the Philippine Navy, where she was recommissioned as BRP Bacolod City (LST-510) and continued to serve for many more years.