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History of USS Talbot County (LST-1153)

USS Talbot County (LST-1153) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Designed for amphibious operations, she played a key role in transporting troops, vehicles, and equipment to shore during training exercises and deployments throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters during the Cold War. Talbot County participated in numerous NATO exercises and supported various contingency operations, reflecting the Navy's emphasis on rapid, flexible response capabilities during this era. She was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Venezuelan Navy, where she continued to serve under a new name.

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ABOUT USS Talbot County (LST-1153)

  • Commissioning and Name: USS Talbot County (LST-1153) was commissioned on 19 September 1953 and was named after Talbot County, Maryland, following the U.S. Navy tradition of naming tank landing ships after U.S. counties.
  • Class and Design: She was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship (LST), designed for amphibious operations, capable of carrying tanks, vehicles, cargo, and troops directly onto unimproved shores.
  • Service in the Atlantic Fleet: USS Talbot County served primarily with the Atlantic Fleet, participating in numerous training exercises and amphibious operations along the U.S. East Coast and the Caribbean.
  • NATO Operations: The ship took part in several NATO exercises, strengthening alliances and interoperability with European partners during the height of the Cold War.
  • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to military duties, Talbot County was involved in humanitarian relief operations, including disaster relief in the Caribbean, showcasing the versatility of LSTs.
  • Support for the Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, USS Talbot County was placed on alert to support potential amphibious landings in the Caribbean.
  • Vietnam War Era Service: While she did not deploy directly to Vietnam, the ship trained Marines and sailors for amphibious assault missions related to the conflict.
  • Decommissioning and Transfer: USS Talbot County was decommissioned from U.S. Navy service on 28 May 1972 and transferred to the Hellenic Navy, where she served as Lesvos (L-172).
  • Greek Navy Service: Under the Greek flag, the former Talbot County continued to serve for decades, participating in the 1974 Cyprus crisis and various Aegean operations.
  • Legacy: The ship’s long service life in two navies and her participation in both military and humanitarian missions exemplify the adaptability and enduring value of the Terrebonne Parish-class LSTs.

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