VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 
JOIN NOW

History of USS WESTCHESTER COUNTY LST 1167

USS Westchester County (LST-1167) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1954. Throughout her service, she played a vital role in amphibious operations, logistics support, and troop transport, especially during the Vietnam War. In October 1968, she suffered a devastating Viet Cong explosive attack while anchored in the My Tho River, resulting in significant casualties and damage—the deadliest single attack on a U.S. Navy ship during the Vietnam conflict. After years of distinguished service, USS Westchester County was decommissioned in 1973 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines.

Members

Load More

Gallery

More Unit Photos

ABOUT USS WESTCHESTER COUNTY LST 1167

  • Commissioning and Namesake: USS Westchester County (LST-1167) was commissioned on March 20, 1954, and was named after Westchester County, New York.
  • Part of the Terrebonne Parish Class: She was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship, designed for transporting tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto shore without docks or piers.
  • Early Service: Initially assigned to the Atlantic Fleet, she operated along the U.S. East Coast, the Caribbean, and participated in numerous amphibious exercises.
  • Vietnam War Deployment: Westchester County played a significant role in the Vietnam War, conducting operations in support of riverine and amphibious forces in the Mekong Delta and other regions.
  • Deadliest Attack on a U.S. Ship in Vietnam: On November 1, 1968, the ship suffered a devastating attack when Viet Cong commandos attached mines to her hull in the My Tho River, causing massive damage and resulting in the deaths of 26 sailors and soldiers, marking it as the deadliest attack on a U.S. Navy ship during the Vietnam War.
  • Swift Recovery and Repair: Despite the severe damage, the ship was salvaged and returned to service, demonstrating the resilience and determination of her crew and the Navy.
  • Support for "Brown Water Navy": The ship served as a floating base for the U.S. "Brown Water Navy," supporting patrol boats and Army units operating in the riverine environments of South Vietnam.
  • Humanitarian Missions: Besides combat duties, Westchester County was involved in humanitarian missions, such as delivering supplies and providing aid to local Vietnamese communities.
  • Decommissioning and Transfer: She was decommissioned on March 1, 1973, and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines, where she served as BRP Bacolod City (LST-510).
  • Decorations and Honors: During her U.S. Navy service, USS Westchester County earned numerous awards, including 11 battle stars for her Vietnam service, reflecting her active and distinguished history.

Navy Best Sellers

Go To Store