The USS Racine (LST-1191) was a Newport-class tank landing ship of the United States Navy, notable for its distinctive design and operational history. Constructed by the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego, California, Racine was laid down on December 13, 1969, launched on August 15, 1970, and commissioned on July 9, 1971. The vessel measured approximately 522 feet 4 inches in overall length, with a beam of 69 feet 6 inches and a draft of 11 feet 5 inches forward and 17 feet 5 inches at the stern at full load. It displaced around 4,793 long tons when light and up to 8,342 long tons at full load. Designed to meet the U.S. amphibious forces’ goal of achieving over 20 knots, the Racine featured a traditional ship hull with a unique aluminum ramp slung over the bow, supported by derrick arms, replacing the conventional bow door design. Its propulsion system comprised six ALCO diesel engines turning two shafts, rated at 16,500 brake horsepower, allowing a maximum speed of 22 knots, with an operational cruising speed of 20 knots. The ship could carry 1,750 long tons of fuel for a range of 2,500 nautical miles at 14 knots. Its armament initially included four 3-inch/50 caliber guns in two twin turrets, though these were removed in the late 1970s. Racine's design allowed it to carry large tanks, heavy vehicles, and supplies, with a capacity for 431 troops and 19,000 square feet of cargo space. It featured a bow ramp for vehicle unloading, a stern gate for amphibious vehicle deployment, and a helicopter deck atop the stern gate. The vessel was equipped with a bow thruster for enhanced maneuverability and had four davits for loading and unloading landing craft. Throughout its service, Racine was active in the western Pacific during the Vietnam War, earning one battle star. It participated in routine coastwise operations, naval exercises, and troop deployments. The vessel was transferred to the Naval Reserve Force in 1981, decommissioned in 1993, and struck from the Naval Vessel Register in 2008. After an unsuccessful sale attempt to Peru, Racine was ultimately sunk as a target during a sinking exercise in July 2018, marking the end of its maritime service.

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