USS Windham County (LST-1170)

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • International Engagements: She participated in joint exercises with allied navies, including joint landings and training operations with Japanese, South Korean, and Philippine forces. • 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. • 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.