Barnstable County (LST 1197) - Naval Cruise Book

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1 here are many unique features of this class LST, the most radical change from previous LST design is the sharp clipper bow and refined hull lines necessary to attain the design speed with a reasonably sized propulsion plant. Her refined lines also necessitated development of a new over-the-bow concept for operation of the bow ramp. Other improvements in these ships as compared with their predecessors are the stern gate, which is new to LSTs; the between-deck ramp; the bow thruster the quick-acting cargo hatch; the pontoon causeway handling and stowage system; the helicopter handling facilities; and the single lever remote control for the propulsion system. With the over-the-bow design for the bow ramp, the ramp acts as a bridge from the main deck level to the causeway (or beach) to load or offload vehicles weighing up to 75 tons. The ramp rides out from its stowed position above the main deck, and in its extended position it is supported by wires from the derrick arms built into the bow. These wires lower the ramp to the causeway or beach where it is then ready for vehicular traffic. The length of the ramp (109 feet) is such that, when the ship is beached on a 2 percent gradient with a forward draft of 6 feet, there will be 4 feet of water at the end of the ramp, or less. In this condition the ramp has an incline of only 21 degrees. 39

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