Trisha Shetty (Editor)

USS Coconino County (LST 603)

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Name
  
USS LST-603

Commissioned
  
5 April 1944

Recommissioned
  
8 June 1966

Launched
  
14 March 1944

Laid down
  
5 November 1943

Decommissioned
  
12 May 1955

Construction started
  
5 November 1943

Length
  
100 m

USS Coconino County (LST-603) httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediacommonsthu

Builder
  
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, Seneca, Illinois

USS Coconino County (LST-603), originally USS LST-603, was a United States Navy LST-542-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II and in commission from 1944 to 1955 and from 1966 to 1969. Named after Coconino County, Arizona, she was the only U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name.

Contents

Construction and commission

LST-603 was laid down on 5 November 1943 at Seneca, Illinois, by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. Her Ship naming and launching was on 14 March 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Etla N. Hobart, and commissioned on 5 April 1944 with Ensign William B. Sweet in command.

First period in commission, 1944-1955

During World War II, LST-603 was assigned to the European Theater of Operations. She participated in Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France, in August and September 1944.

Following the war, she served in the Amphibious Force, United States Atlantic Fleet, including one deployment to the Mediterranean in 1950. She was decommissioned on 12 May 1955. On 1 July 1955, while out of commission, she was renamed USS Coconino County (LST-603).

Second period in commission, 1966-1969

Coconino County was recommissioned on 8 June 1966 for Vietnam War service, and operated in the Vietnam theater from 1966 until she was transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Navy on 4 April 1969.

South Vietnamese service

In South Vietnamese service, she served as RVNS "Vung Tau" (HQ-503). South Vietnam collapsed in April 1975, where she was taken o over by the North Vietnamese Navy. Today it is being used as a training vessel by the Navy of Vietnam.

Awards and honors

LST-603 received one battle star for World War II service, and Coconino County received six campaign stars and two awards of the Meritorious Unit Commendation for Vietnam War service.

References

USS Coconino County (LST-603) Wikipedia