For US Navy ships with the hull classification of LST. Tank Landing Ships were designed to sail to the site of amphibious operations carrying equipment, cargo and troops. LST crews offloaded troops and supporting equipment by beaching the ship directly onto the beachhead in support of an amphibious invasion. 1051 of these ships were laid down during WWII. On 1 July 1955 all LSTs remaining in the Navy's inventory were named for counties in the United States. NOTE: All ships in this category are decommissioned.