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History of USS Tom Green County (LST-1159)

USS Tom Green County (LST-1159) was a Terrebonne Parish-class tank landing ship commissioned by the United States Navy in 1953. Primarily serving in the Pacific, she played a key logistical role during the Vietnam War, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to support combat operations. The ship participated in numerous amphibious landings and provided essential support for riverine and coastal missions. After nearly two decades of service, USS Tom Green County was decommissioned in 1972 and later transferred to the Republic of the Philippines.

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ABOUT USS Tom Green County (LST-1159)

  • Commissioned in 1953: USS Tom Green County (LST-1159) was commissioned on 15 December 1953, joining the post-World War II fleet as part of the United States Navy’s LST-1156 class.
  • Named after Texas County: The ship was named after Tom Green County in Texas, honoring Brigadier General Thomas Green, a notable Confederate officer during the American Civil War.
  • Vietnam War Service: USS Tom Green County played an active role in the Vietnam War, participating in numerous amphibious operations, troop landings, and supply missions.
  • Operation Market Time: The vessel contributed to Operation Market Time, the US Navy’s effort to stop the flow of supplies to North Vietnamese forces by patrolling the South Vietnamese coast.
  • Rescue Mission in 1966: In June 1966, the ship rescued the crew of a burning South Vietnamese Navy LSSL ship, saving many lives under hazardous conditions.
  • Transporting Armor: The Tom Green County often transported tanks, artillery, and other heavy equipment directly onto beaches, demonstrating the vital role of LSTs in amphibious warfare.
  • Humanitarian Assistance: In addition to combat missions, the ship provided humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to Vietnamese civilians during the war.
  • Battle Stars: USS Tom Green County received six battle stars for her service during the Vietnam War, a testament to her frequent involvement in combat and support operations.
  • Decommissioned and Transfer: The ship was decommissioned on 4 August 1971 and transferred to the Spanish Navy, where she served as Velasco (L-11).
  • Unique Nickname: Crew members affectionately referred to their ship as “The Tom Green,” and the vessel became known for her resilience and the camaraderie of her crew throughout many challenging deployments.

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