USS Wexford County (LST-1168)

• Commissioning and Class: USS Wexford County (LST-1168) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship, commissioned by the United States Navy on 15 June 1954. • Named After: The ship was named for counties in Michigan and Iowa, following the tradition of naming LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank) after U.S. counties. • Vietnam War Service: USS Wexford County saw extensive service during the Vietnam War, participating in amphibious operations and troop landings throughout the conflict. • Operation Market Time: The ship played a role in “Operation Market Time,” a naval blockade to prevent supplies from reaching Viet Cong forces via the South Vietnamese coast. • Amphibious Operations: As a tank landing ship, it was designed to transport and deploy tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers—vital for amphibious warfare. • Decommissioning: USS Wexford County was decommissioned from active U.S. Navy service on 9 October 1971 after nearly two decades of operational duty. • Transfer to Spain: After decommissioning, the ship was transferred to the Spanish Navy in 1971, where it was renamed Conde de Venadito (L-13). • Spanish Service: In Spanish service, the ship continued to serve as an amphibious transport vessel until it was finally retired in 1990. • Notable Crew Stories: Sailors who served aboard during the Vietnam era recall the ship’s critical role in rapid deployments, and some remember the ship’s participation in humanitarian missions, such as assisting refugees and disaster victims. • Legacy and Honors: USS Wexford County earned several campaign stars for its service in Vietnam, and veterans frequently hold reunions to commemorate their service aboard the ship.