NAVY FACT FILE TANK LANDING SHIP MISSION: The assigned mission of the tank landing ship (LST) is to transport and land amphibious vehicles, tanks, combat vehicles and equipment in amphibious assault. COMMENTARY: Ships of this class are larger and faster than earlier LSTs and are the first to depart from the bow-door design that characterized the workhorses of World War II. The hull form necessary for the attainment of the 20-knot speeds of contemporary amphibious squadrons would not permit bow doors. Accordingly, ships of this class offload cargo and vehicles by means of a 112-foot ramp over their bow. A stern gate also makes possible off-loading amphibious vehicles directly into the water. The 20 ships of this class, all commissioned between June 1969 and August 1972, are the only LSTs remaining in the fleet. NEWPORT CLASS (LST-1179) Displacement: 8,450 tons full load Length: 522 feet Beam: 69 feet Speed: 20 knots Power Plant: Six diesels, two shafts, 16,000 brake horsepower Armament: Four three-inch/50-caliber guns; Phalanx close-in weapons systems to be fitted Complement: 290 ship's company; 400 troops Builders: LSTs 1179-1181, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard; 1182-1198, National Steel and Shipbuilding Units USS Newport (LST-1179); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Manitowac (LST-1180); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Sumter (LST-1181); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Fresno (LST-1182); San Diego, Calif. USS Peoria (LST-1183); San Diego, Calif. USS Frederick (LST-1184); San Diego, Calif. USS Schenectady (LST-1185); San Diego, Calif. USS Cayuga (LST-1186); San Diego, Calif. USS Tuscaloosa (LST-1187); San Diego, Calif. USS Saginaw (LST-1188); San Diego, Calif. USS San Bernardino (LST-1189); San Diego, Calif. USS Spartanburg County (LST-1192); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Fairfax County (LST-1193); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS La Moure County (LST-1194); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Barbour County (LST-1195); San Diego, Calif. USS Harlan County (LST-1196); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Barnstable County (LST-1197); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Bristol County (LST-1198); San Diego, Calif. USS Boulder County (LST-1190) (NRF); Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. USS Racine (LST-1191) (NRF); Long Beach, Calif. SOURCE: Department of the Navy (OP-03PA); Washington, DC 20350-2000; (202) 697-6049