USS LST-544 was a United States Navy LST-542-class tank landing ship in commission from 1944 to 1946.

USS LST-544, at left, moored at United States Naval Magazine, Indian Island, Washington, with smoke from the Port Townsend, Washington, paper mill in the background.
History
United States
NameUSS LST-544
BuilderMissouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company, Evansville, Indiana
Laid down8 December 1943
Launched4 February 1944
Sponsored byMrs. Maudie M. Marlow
Commissioned16 March 1944
Decommissioned9 August 1946
Stricken25 September 1946
FateSold for scrapping 23 June 1947
General characteristics
Class and typeLST-542-class tank landing ship
Displacement
  • 1,625 long tons (1,651 t) light
  • 4,080 long tons (4,145 t) full (seagoing draft with 1,675-ton load
Length328 ft (100 m)
Beam50 ft (15 m)
Draft
  • Unloaded 2 ft 4 in (0.71 m) forward; 7 ft 6 in (2.29 m) aft
  • Full load: 8 ft 2 in (2.49 m) forward; 14 ft 1 in (4.29 m) aft
  • Landing with 500-ton load: 3 ft 11 in (1.19 m) forward; 9 ft 10 in (3.00 m) aft
PropulsionTwo diesel engines, two shafts, twin rudders
Speed12 knots (22 km/h; 14 mph)
Range24,000 nautical miles (44,448 kilometerss) at 9 knots while displacing 3,960 tons
Boats & landing
craft carried
6 x LCVPs
Capacity1,600-1,900 tons cargo depending on mission
Troops14 officers, 131 enlisted men
Complement9 officers, 120 enlisted men
Armament

Construction and commissioning

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LST-544 was laid down on 8 December 1943 at Evansville, Indiana, by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company. She was launched on 4 February 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Maudie M. Marlow, and commissioned on 16 March 1944.

Service history

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LST-544 was not involved in combat operations during World War II.

Decommissioning and disposal

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LST-544 was decommissioned on 9 August 1946 and stricken from the Navy List on 25 September 1946. On 23 June 1947, she was sold to Willamette Iron & Steel Company for scrapping.

References

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