USS Orleans Parish (LST-1069): A Legacy of Versatility
The USS Orleans Parish (LST-1069) was a distinguished member of the LST-542-class tank landing ships, designed to transport vehicles and troops directly onto shorelines. While many ships of her class remained anonymous, identified only by numbers and scrapped after World War II, LST-1069 enjoyed a prolonged and varied career. On July 1, 1955, she was officially named after Orleans Parish, Louisiana, becoming the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear that name.
Built at the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard in Massachusetts, the vessel was laid down on February 7, 1945, and commissioned on March 31, 1945. Her journey from a wartime transport to a specialized support ship reflects the evolving needs of the United States Navy during the mid-20th century.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Class: LST-542-class tank landing ship.
- Service Span: Commissioned March 31, 1945; sold to the Philippines September 1, 1976.
- Roles: Tank landing ship, mine squadron flagship, mine countermeasures support ship, and cargo ship.
- Naming: Renamed USS Orleans Parish on July 1, 1955.
- Final Fate: Sold to the Philippines and renamed BRP Cotabato Del Norte (LT-511).
World War II and Post-War Repatriation
After completing shakedown trials in Chesapeake Bay, LST-1069 deployed to the Pacific. She transported LCT (Landing Craft Tank) sections to the Hawaiian Islands and delivered Army troops to Leyte in the Philippines, remaining there until the Japanese surrender.
Following the war, the ship played a critical role in regional stabilization. She became one of the first American ships to navigate the Yangtze River since the late 1930s, establishing an operational base in Shanghai. Her duties included transferring Chinese troops to Formosa and conducting multiple voyages between Qingdao, China, and Sasebo, Japan, to repatriate Japanese civilians and soldiers. She also transported Korean repatriates to Pusan and moved Japanese war criminals from the Bonin Islands to Guam.
The vessel returned to the United States via the Panama Canal and was decommissioned at Staten Island, New York, on August 6, 1946, before entering the Reserve Fleet in Florida.
Evolution into a Specialized Support Vessel
The Korean War prompted the ship's recommissioning on January 11, 1952. During this era, she was converted into a mine squadron flagship and logistic support vessel. This conversion added helicopter landing, fueling, and repair facilities, allowing her to control aerial operations.
Mine Countermeasures and Global Operations
In January 1959, the ship was reclassified as MCS-6, serving as a mine countermeasures support ship. In this capacity, she escorted Norwegian and Spanish minesweepers across the Atlantic to the U.S. and participated in various naval exercises such as Springboard and PhibEx. In February 1963, she visited her namesake city in Louisiana during the Mardi Gras festival.
Transition to Cargo and Final Service
On May 20, 1966, the ship was decommissioned from active Navy service and transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS). Reverting to her LST-1069 designation and operating with a civilian crew, she was modified for cargo transport. Her MSTS career took her across the Pacific, visiting Guam, Subic Bay in the Philippines, Vũng Tàu in South Vietnam, and Yokohama, Japan.
The ship was eventually struck from the Naval Vessel Register on June 30, 1975. On September 1, 1976, she was sold to the Republic of the Philippines, where she served as the BRP Cotabato Del Norte (LT-511).
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,625 long tons (light) / 4,080 long tons (full) |
| Dimensions | Length: 328 ft (100 m); Beam: 50 ft (15 m); Draft: 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) |
| Propulsion | Two General Motors 12-567 diesel engines, twin shafts/rudders |
| Speed | 12 knots (22 km/h) |
| Armament | 8 × 40 mm guns, 12 × 20 mm guns |
| Capacity | 16 officers and 147 enlisted troops; 2 or 6 LCVPs |
| Crew Complement | 7 officers, 104 enlisted men |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the ship renamed in 1955?
In 1955, the U.S. Navy decided to name all LSTs still in commission after U.S. counties or parishes. Consequently, LST-1069 was named USS Orleans Parish after Orleans Parish, Louisiana.
What was the ship's role during the Korean War era?
She was recommissioned in 1952 and converted into a mine squadron flagship and logistic support vessel, equipped with facilities to support and control helicopters.
What does the designation MCS-6 mean?
MCS-6 stands for Mine Countermeasures Support ship, a role the vessel assumed in 1959 after receiving additional communications equipment and modifications.
Which countries did the ship visit during its MSTS service?
While serving the Military Sea Transportation Service, the ship visited Guam, the Philippines (Subic Bay), South Vietnam (Vũng Tàu), and Japan (Yokohama).
What happened to the ship after it left the U.S. Navy?
The ship was sold to the Republic of the Philippines on September 1, 1976, and was renamed the BRP Cotabato Del Norte (LT-511).