Wood County (LST 1178) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE MEDITERRANEAN Since the lvlediterrancan was opened up as a highway for com mcrce by the ancient Phoe- nicians, its strategic importance was seen by all who aspired to naval superiority or pre- dominance in waterborne trade. ller deep blue waters wash the shores of three continents-- Europe, Asia and Africa while the three routes of access, Gibraltar, Dardanelles, and Suez are easily sealed off to intruders in time of crisis. The Romans exulted in calling the Mediterranean, NIare Nostrum --our sea. Since that day, its importance has not diminished as evidenced by the extensive naval campaigns and amphibious operations during both world wars. Today the Mediterranean's past has proven her importance for the future. The history of this battleground and century-worn trade route is inseparably bound to the fact of strategic importance. The reasons, then, for the deployment of an Amphibious Striking Force to this vital area are many-goodwill ambassadors, a naval presence to reassure our allies of our continued support and the extensive training opportunities offered by an extended deployment in for- eign waters. However the real reason underlies andunderlincs all of these--the readiness and capability to project American seapower onto the beaches of three continents half-a-world away should the need arise. Our long winter was spent, then, in carrying out these basic aims. There were joint operations with Nato allies, port calls in Malta, Naples and Venice and numerous amphi- bious landings to perfect an ancient doctrine that is of continuing validity for a modern Navy. This constant training led to the fine teamwork and practiced precision so necessary to our basic mission. When Spring settled over the Mediterranean and preparations and thoughts were looking towards home, a crisis broke out in the Near East, As our squadron sortied to take station, the reason for our being there became very clear, When the crisis waned and the WQOD COUNTY turned her bow toward Gibraltar and the beckoning Atlantic, the following message was received from Vice Admiral Martin, Commander ofthe United States Sixth Fleet: When- ever and wherever there is the hint of difficulty, the importance of the Amphibious Force becomes apparent. That has certainly been true during the past few days, We appreciate your rapid action getting on station and readiness to meet any requirement, We wish you a happy voyage home. Well done.

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USS WOOD COUNTY HISTORY A igmdiug Ship tank QLST-11785 is specifically designed to transport combat troops,their vehicles and the supplies to the objective arcaof an amphibious assault. ller bow doors and ramp allow her to disgorge this cargo in the area adjacent to the landing site, Her flat bottom and engineering plant add the capability of beaching or marrying to a pontoon causeway and offloading directly onto the beach. , , , I With this end, the WOOD COUNTY was built by the American Shipbuilding Company at Lorraine, Ohio as the largest LST ever launched, By August, 151551, she was olfieially declared an operational unit of the Atlantic Fleet and commissioned in the United States Navy. Her accom- piishmentg yvere quick to equal her size. After scheduled deployments south to the Caribbean and east to the Mediterranean, she was operating as a unit of the Caribbean lieady Squadron when the Cuban Crisis developed in 1962 and she immediately took station with the squadron to insure the effectiveness of the Cuban Quarantine, Once again in April 1965, the WOOD COUNTY was operating in the Caribbean waters when the Dominican Crisis broke and she quickly fulfilled her basic function of landing combat troops and vehicles ashore. During these critical days, the WOOD COUNTY continued to support the Marines ashore while evacuating over 1400 refugees from the revolution-torn island. For their role in this action, the men of the WOOD COUNTY were awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Medal by the Secretary of the Navy. The latest chapter of WOOD COUNTY'S history was successfully completed when the ship moored in Little Creek after six months deployment as a part of the Amphibious Striking Forces of the Sixth Fleet. As in the past, the WOOD COUNTY continucdto exhibither versatility and exercise at her basic mission of transport, attack and support in amphibious landings. The effectiveness of an amphibious striking force relics in the ability of each unit to perform multiple functions rapidly and skillfully without prior preparation. The events and experiences of WOOD COUNTY'S most recent deployment have assured all that, as in the past, the potential of the ship, the skill of her crew, and the flexibility of both can meet and fulfill the tasks that lie before these men and their ship in the days to come. l i t. l Ai .,x.t -1

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