About this Unit
USS Windham County (LST-1179) was a Newport-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1971. Designed to transport tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore, she served primarily in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, participating in numerous amphibious exercises and NATO operations. The vessel played a vital role in Cold War readiness and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. After over two decades of service, USS Windham County was decommissioned in 1993 and later transferred to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Navy.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Windham County (LST-1179) was named after multiple Windham Counties in the United States, specifically honoring counties in Connecticut, Vermont, and later West Virginia.
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Class and Construction: She was the lead ship of the Windham County-class (also known as the De Soto County-class) tank landing ships. Constructed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, her keel was laid in September 1956.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned into the U.S. Navy on 17 May 1957, joining the Atlantic Fleet.
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Vietnam War Service: Windham County saw extensive service in the Vietnam War, transporting marines, soldiers, and equipment in numerous amphibious and logistical operations from 1965 to 1973.
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Unique Bow Design: As an LST, she featured a distinctive bow door and ramp, allowing tanks and vehicles to drive directly onto shore, a key advantage in amphibious assaults.
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Goodwill and Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, Windham County participated in humanitarian missions and goodwill visits, visiting ports in Asia, the Pacific, and Australia.
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Diverse Missions: The ship was part of Operation "Bar Frost" in the Arctic and participated in numerous amphibious exercises with allied navies, reflecting her versatility.
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Rescue Operations: Windham County was involved in rescuing Vietnamese refugees, known as "boat people," fleeing after the fall of Saigon in 1975, providing assistance and supplies.
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Decommissioning and Transfer: She was decommissioned from the U.S. Navy in 1973 and transferred to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, where she served as JS Shiretoko (LST-4003) until 2001.
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Award Record: For her service, Windham County earned multiple campaign and service medals, including the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal, reflecting her active and varied career.
