Name USS Racine (LST-1191) Ordered 15 July 1966 Acquired 17 June 1971 Launched 15 August 1970 | Laid down 13 December 1969 Construction started 13 December 1969 | |
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Builder National Steel & Shipbuilding Co. | ||
The USS Racine (LST-1191) was the second ship to bear the name of the Wisconsin city. She was capable of a sustained speed of 20 knots (37 km/h). Her ability to adjust her draft, accompanied by her unique bow-ramp design, helped bring a new degree of responsiveness to the amphibious fleet.
Contents
History
Racine was laid down by the National Steel & Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, Calif., 13 December 1969; and launched 15 August 1970; sponsored by Mrs. Edwin B. Hooper, wife of Vice Admiral Edwin B. Hooper USN (Ret), Director of Naval History; Racine was placed in commission 9 July 1971, Commander Daniel W. Anderson in command.
Racine remained at Long Beach, completing her fitting-out until 9 August, when she departed for San Diego. Racine underwent tests and participated in exercises off the west coast until 8 June 1972. At that time, she steamed out of San Diego for a South American cruise with a group of NROTC Midshipmen. She visited Valparaiso, Chile; Callao, Peru; and the Canal Zone, returning to San Diego 17 July. On 13 September, she embarked on a tour of duty with WestPac. She remained in the Far East, shuttling men and material between Vietnam and various American bases in the area, until 26 April 1973, when she weighed anchor for San Diego. Racine arrived at San Diego 17 May 1973.
On 6 November 1979, Racine collided with Li Tung Sol, a small fishing vessel. No injuries were reported.
Racine had five Western Pacific deployments in the first 10 years after her commissioning, including deployments during the Vietnam War. In January 1981, Racine was assigned to the Naval Reserve Force with 60% of the crew active duty and 40% of the crew reservists. After 15 January 1981, Racine was assigned to Surface Squadron One homeport of Long Beach, California.
Fate
Racine was decommissioned on 2 October 1993 and, as of 2016, remained in inactive reserve at Pearl Harbor. In 2009, there was discussion of a possible sale of ex-Fresno and ex-Racine to Peru. This plan has not materialized and ex-Fresno has since been sunk as a target. Ex-Racine was listed as "Reported to MARAD for scrap sale" as of January 2015 with disposal preparations completed 25 November 2013. As of September 2016, the ship remained in Pearl Harbor and slated to be sunk as a target.