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