USS Hunterdon County (LST-838)

The USS "Hunterdon County" (LST-838) was an sclass|LST-542|tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named after Hunterdon County, New Jersey, she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

LST-838 was laid down on 20 September 1944 at Ambridge, Pennsylvania by the American Bridge Company; launched on 8 November 1944; sponsored by Miss Margaret Foster; and commissioned on 4 December 1944 with Lieutenant Allen T. Larkins, Jr., in command. During World War II, LST-838 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto in April, 1945. Following the War, the ship performed occupation duty in the Far East until early November, 1945. She returned to the United States and was decommissioned on 7 August 1946 and assigned to the Pacific Reserve Fleet. On 1 July 1955 she was redesignated USS "Hunterdon County" (LST-838). Recommissioned on 10 September 1966 at the Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, California, "Hunterdon County" saw extensive service during the Vietnam War. On May 12, 1970, it was the first U.S. Navy commissioned vessel to enter Cambodia, rearming and refueling helicopters that belonged to the U.S. Army and Navy, as well as the Air Force of the Republic of Vietnam. The ship was subsequently reclassified as Patrol Craft Tender USS "Hunterdon County" (AGP-838). Transferred to Malaysia on 1 August 1974 under the Security Assistance Program, she was renamed KD "Sri Langkawi" (A1500) for service in the Royal Malaysian Navy, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day. Her final fate is unknown.

LST-838 earned one battle star for World War II service. Additionally, "Hunterdon County" earned seven battle stars, two awards of the Presidential Unit Citation, and four awards of the Navy Unit Commendation for the Vietnam War.

References

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* cite web|title=LST / AGP-838 "Hunterdon County"|work=Amphibious Photo Archive
url=http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/16/160838.htm|accessdate=June 18|accessyear=2007

External links

* [http://www.hullnumber.com/commands1.php?ct=OG&st=LST&hn=838&n1=USS&n2=HUNTERDON&n3=COUNTY&n4=&n5= LST-838 Personnel Roster at HullNumber.com]

ee also

* List of United States Navy LSTs