Tank Landing Ships

LST

Description: Tank landing ships (LST) are used to transport and land tanks, amphibious vehicles and other rolling stock in amphibious assault.

Features: Ships of this class are the first to depart from the bow-door design that characterized the workhorses of World War II. The hull form necessary to attain the 20-knot speeds of contemporary amphibious squadrons would not permit bow doors. Accordingly, these ships offload cargo and vehicles by means of a 112-foot ramp over their bow. A stern gate allows off-loading of amphibious vehicles directly into the water. The two ships of this class, now assigned to the Naval Reserve Forces, are the only of this 20-ship class of LSTs remaining in the fleet.

Point of Contact:   Public Affairs Office

                            Naval Sea Systems Command 

                            Washington, DC 20362

Example of the General Characteristics, Newport class: 

Builders:         National Steel and Shipbuilding
Power plant:   Six diesels, two shafts, 16,000 brake horsepower
Length:           522 feet (156.6 meters)
Beam:            69 feet (20.7 meters)
Displacement: 8,450 tons (8,585.61 metric tons) full load
Speed:            20 knots (23 miles, 36.8 km, per hour)
Crew:             13 officers, 244 enlisted
Armament:     One 20 mm Phalanx CIWS mount; two 25 mm MK 38 machine guns

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