The USS Frederick (LST-1184) is a Newport-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy, designed to replace traditional bow door LSTs with a more advanced and faster vessel. Laid down on April 13, 1968, by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California, and launched on March 8, 1969, she was commissioned on April 11, 1970. The ship measures 522 feet 4 inches (159.2 meters) in length overall, with a beam of 69 feet 6 inches (21.2 meters), and a draft of 11 feet 5 inches (3.5 meters) forward and 17 feet 5 inches (5.3 meters) at the stern when fully loaded. She displaces approximately 4,793 long tons (4,870 tons) light and up to 8,342 long tons (8,476 tons) at full load. The vessel's propulsion system consists of six Alco 251-C diesel engines turning two shafts, producing 16,500 brake horsepower, enabling her to reach speeds of up to 22 knots (41 km/h) briefly, and sustain around 20 knots (37 km/h). She has a range of 2,500 nautical miles at 14 knots, with a fuel capacity of 1,750 long tons (1,780 tons). Notably, she features a 112-foot aluminum ramp over the bow supported by derrick arms, allowing her to carry tanks, heavy vehicles, and supplies exceeding the capacity of earlier LST designs. Her cargo capacity includes 500 long tons of vehicles, 19,000 square feet of cargo space, and the ability to carry 431 troops. She is equipped with a bow thruster for enhanced maneuverability and has facilities for four LCVPs and four pontoon causeway sections. Initially armed with four 3-inch/50 caliber guns, her armament was later reduced. She also carried SPS-10 radar and featured a helicopter deck atop the stern gate. With a complement of around 213 personnel, USS Frederick served primarily in the Pacific Fleet, participating in over thirteen deployments to the Western Pacific and Far East. Her service earned her one Meritorious Unit Commendation and three battle stars for Vietnam. Decommissioned on October 5, 2002, she was sold to Mexico under the Security Assistance Program and renamed ARM Usumacinta (A 412). The vessel has since participated in joint exercises like RIMPAC and has provided humanitarian aid, notably delivering supplies following earthquakes in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Her design and service record underscore her significance as a versatile, fast amphibious vessel capable of supporting a wide range of military and humanitarian missions.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.