Schenectady (LST 1185) - Naval Cruise Book

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R ff ll ANY BEACH ANYTIM ., -V f- i Adu- .. .z V k ht. 4 ,U , VQ,.,,,.. , ' h44Q. USS Schenectady ILST 11851 The SCHENECTADY is an entirely new design and represents a complete departure from previous concepts of amphibious landing ships. She is the fourth ship of its kind to be delivered to the Fleet by National Steel and Shipbuilding Company. The traditional bow doors, which have characterized LST construction since the first vessels of this type were built during World War ll, have been preempted by a huge 35 ton bow ramp supported by two derrlck arms. ln addition, the conventional blunt bow design has been replaced by a destroyer-type bow, enabling the SCHENECTADY to attain speeds in excess of 20 knots. This feature will make possible operation with high-speed amphibious forces. Rapid and flexible loading and offloading of troops and equipment are accomplished by lowering the bow ramp from the deck to a beach or causeway. A second ramp serves as a means of communication between the main deck and the lower, or tank deck, where vehicles and equipment may be stored. Supplementing loading and offloading is a stern gate, making this the first class of LST with this unusual capability. Many other departures from traditional shipbuilding concepts mark the SCHENECTADY and her sister ships as unique. All ships in this class are equipped with a bow thruster, or transversely mounted variable-pitch propeller in the forward part of the hull, allowing fine maneuvering of the vessel. The ship's two stacks are offset and of unequal size, thus allowing the quickest and most direct passage of exhaust gases from engineering spaces to the outside, rather than sacrificing practicality for symmetry of design as in past ships. The ship's superstructure is pierced longitudinally to provide vehicular traffic from one end of the main deck to the other, and a helicopter landing area is provided on the after part of the ship's main deck. Ship's speed is controlled by a unique joystick arrangement, control consoles are provided in both engineering spaces and on the bridge for the control of shaft speed from either location. The six huge main propulsion engines, which are linked to twin controllable pitch screws, may also be controlled locally for added flexibility. The latest electronic navigation and communicaition systems are installed aboard. In addition to the technical side of the ship's features, crew comfort is enhanced by numerous habitability facilities, such as the ship's barber shop, laundry facilities, weight room, and crew's recreation room. Livability is further enhanced by unusually comfortable living quarters and air-conditioning throughout the ship. SCHENECTADY is assigned to the Amphibious Squadron SEVEN homeported in San Diego, California.