By Pete DeWolf, ET3, (’55-’57)
Albuquerque, N.M.
- Amphibious warfare, long considered a minor function by navies, assumed major importance in World War II. An entirely new “family” of ships and craft was developed for the massive landing operations in Europe and the Pacific.
- Many types of landing ships did not receive “word” names, but were simply known by their hull numbers (LST 806 and LCI (G) 580).
- Attack cargo ships and attack transports carried landing craft to put cargo and troops ashore on a beachhead. Many of these were named for American counties (Alamance [AKA 75]; Hinsdale [APA 120]).
- Some early APAs, converted from conventional troopships, kept their former names (Leonard Wood, President Hayes); many AKAs were named for stars (Achernar) or constellations (Cepheus).
- Dock landing ships, seagoing ships with a large well deck for landing craft or vehicles, bore names of historic sites (Gunston Hall, Rushmore).
- Modern LSDs are still part of today’s Fleet, and carry on this name source (Fort McHenry, Pearl Harbor).
- After World War II the remaining LSTs were gradually given names of American counties. It was in 1955 that our own LST 1156 was named the Terrebonne Parish.
- Nuclear Powered Ships
Also following World War II, older ship types left the Navy’s roster, and new types emerged. Nuclear power and guided missiles spurred much of this change. The first nuclear-powered guided- missile cruiser, Long Beach, was the last cruiser to be named for a city in traditional fashion. The next cruisers, also nuclear-powered missile ships, were given state names.
