About this Unit
USS Windham County (LST-1170) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1954. Named after counties in Connecticut and Vermont, she served primarily in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets during the Cold War. The ship participated in numerous amphibious operations and exercises, including deployments to the Mediterranean and Far East, notably supporting operations during the Vietnam War. After decades of service, USS Windham County was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Turkish Navy.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Windham County (LST-1170) was named after counties in Connecticut and Vermont, following the tradition of naming tank landing ships (LSTs) after U.S. counties.
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Class & Construction: She was a De Soto County-class tank landing ship, laid down on 18 August 1953 by the Boston Naval Shipyard and commissioned on 15 September 1954.
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Versatile Service: The ship was designed to transport troops, vehicles, and cargo directly onto shore without docks or piers, playing a vital role in amphibious operations.
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Cold War Deployments: USS Windham County participated in numerous Cold War-era exercises, including NATO operations in the Mediterranean and amphibious training in the Caribbean and Atlantic.
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Vietnam War Service: She was deployed multiple times to Vietnam, supporting U.S. and allied operations by ferrying supplies, vehicles, and troops up and down the Vietnamese coast and rivers.
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Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat duties, the ship provided humanitarian assistance, such as disaster relief and medical support to local populations during its deployments.
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Notable Rescue: In 1964, Windham County rescued 13 crew members from the burning Panamanian freighter SS Lona in the South China Sea, earning commendations for her crew.
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International Engagements: She participated in joint exercises with allied navies, including joint landings and training operations with Japanese, South Korean, and Philippine forces.
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Decommissioning & Transfer: After almost 20 years of service, the ship was decommissioned on 1 September 1973 and transferred to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, where she served as JDS Shiretoko (LST-4003) until 2001.
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Legacy: USS Windham County received multiple awards, including campaign medals for Vietnam service, and is remembered for her adaptability and dedicated crew, symbolizing the vital support role of LSTs in 20th-century naval warfare.
