LST-1156 Terrebonne Parish

Terrebonne Parish (LST-1156) was a LST, a Landing Ship Tank, the first of a new class of faster, roomier, more efficient, and better-armed LSTs that came into naval service in the early 1950s. Over a thousand LSTs were built on the LST-1 platform before this new class was launched in August 1952. One of the major improvements of this class over the World War II class was the mounting of four diesel engines rather than the two mounted in the previous design. This allowed a speed of about 15 knots, or about 50% higher than the World War II version.

In amphibious warfare the Korean experience had consequences for new construction. The extraordinary usefulness of the LST resulted in an immediate program for 15 of the 1156 series, a development of earlier experimental types, longer (384 as compared to 328 feet), faster (15 as opposed to 11 knots), and of larger capacity than their elder sisters; these began launching in mid-1952.

Terrebonne Parish (LST-1156) was laid down as LST-1156 on 2 January 1952 at Bath, Maine, by the Bath Iron Works; launched on 9 August 1952; and commissioned on 21 November 1952. The USS Terrebonne Parish was so named at ceremonies in New Orleans on July 1,1955. On that day several thousand local residents signed the ship 's log and toured the vessel. Of special interest, no doubt, was the ship 's galley where thousands of meals were to be prepared and served to her intrepid crew in the best traditions of Cajun culinary arts. The first year and a half was spent testing the new class and design in exercises along the east coat of the United States.

Fifteen of the Terrebonne Parish class of ships were built.

The American Amphibious Force Association was formed to honor the memory of those who served in the Amphibious Forces of the United States Navy and members of all branches of the Armed Forces who served in amphibious operations. The Association is seeking to preserve the Terrell County LST 1157, or another T from the 1156 Class or above, to provide a focal point for community participation in events commemorating our Naval Heritage.