Kojoonbong (Alligator) LST

The LST (Landing ship tank) is a ship designed to transport troops, vehicles and tanks for amphibious assault. These new landing ships are based on the American LST 1 design dating from World War II. This ship is part of a family of amphibious ships based on a advanced concept similar to former US Navy tank landing ships. These ships are designed to carry landing craft and amphibious assault vehicles. The primary mission is Amphibious Operations. Secondary missions are to transport artime supplies and to support other operations. Organization is composed of 5 departments which are Navigation, Weapons, Operations, Engineering and Support.

Also known as the Mulgae class, these landing ships were initially designed and produced by Korea Tacoma, a South Korean-owned subsidiary of the United States Tacoma Boatbuilding Company. They were ordered by the Navy to augment a small amphibious fleet that comprised several models of obsolescent transport craft produced in the United States during World War II and transferred to the South Korean navy in the 1960s and 1970s. These landing ships were designed to carry an infantry company with its weapons, mechanized and wheeled vehicles, and other supplies.

The ship is 113 meters long overall, beam 15.3 meters, draft 3 meters, full load displacement 4,278 ton, Max sp 16kts, cruising range 4,500 nm at 12kts. External embarkation capabilities are trucks, helos, LCVPs and 1 pontoon causeway. Internal embarkation capabilities are tanks, trucks and LVTs with a Landing Force Personnel. This ship equipped with surface search R/D and ESM systems. The signals which are collected by the sensors are transfered to control console, anti missile control console, 40 mm, 20mm guns and DAGAIE. Propulsion is controlled from the Ship Control Center. Main propulsion power is provided by 2 diesel engines generators. The ship also has 2 reduction gears and 2 screws. Main engine mode is HYUNDAI-Pielstick, power is 12,800 HP.

The class was initially projected to include nine units, to replace the Ex-US LST-1, LST-542 & Ex-US LSM-1 classes. The first ship was laid down at Korea Hanjin Heavy Industries Shipbuilders in 1990, with the first being commissioned in June 1993, second in 1997 and a third in 1999.