VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 
JOIN NOW

History of USS Holmes County

USS Holmes County (LST-836) was a tank landing ship of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1944 during World War II. She participated in the Pacific Theater, supporting amphibious operations and transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies to various combat zones. After the war, the vessel was decommissioned but later recommissioned for service during the Korean War and the Vietnam War, providing vital logistical support. Renamed USS Holmes County (LST-836) in 1955, she continued her service until decommissioning in 1971, after which she was transferred to the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Members

Load More

Gallery

More Unit Photos

ABOUT USS Holmes County

  • USS Holmes County (LST-836) was a tank landing ship (LST) built for the United States Navy during World War II, launched on 11 October 1944.
  • The ship was originally named LST-836 and wasn’t given the name "Holmes County" until 1 July 1955, honoring counties in Florida, Mississippi, and Ohio.
  • World War II Service: LST-836 participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto from April to June 1945, one of the largest amphibious operations in history.
  • After WWII, she performed occupation duty in the Far East, including service in China until mid-February 1946.
  • Korean War: The ship was recommissioned in 1950 and provided logistical support during the Korean War, transporting troops, vehicles, and supplies.
  • In 1952, LST-836 supported the famous “Operation Big Switch,” aiding in the exchange of prisoners of war between North and South Korea.
  • Vietnam War: Holmes County made multiple deployments to the Vietnam theater, transporting cargo, Marines, and Army personnel, and even supporting riverine operations in the Mekong Delta.
  • The ship earned one battle star for WWII service, five for the Korean War, and seven for the Vietnam War, a testament to her long and varied combat record.
  • In 1971, she was decommissioned and transferred to the Royal Thai Navy, where she served as HTMS Lanta (LST-4) until 2008.
  • The USS Holmes County’s legacy endures: She was among the few LSTs to serve actively in three major conflicts (WWII, Korea, Vietnam) and was one of the last of her class to remain in service internationally.

Navy Best Sellers

Go To Store