245 – USS Peoria, LST-1183

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Navsource.org:

# Laid down, 24 February 1968, at National Steel and Shipbuilding Corp, San Diego, CA.
# Launched, 23 November 1968
# Commissioned USS Peoria (LST-1183), 21 February 1970, CDR. John T. Williams in command
# During the Vietnam War Peoria participated in the following campaigns:

Vietnamese Counteroffensive – Phase VII
May 12 -14 & 20 – 23, 1971
June 21 – 25, 1971

Consolidation I
August 8 – 11 & 13 – 15, 1971

# Decommissioned, 28 January 1994
# Laid up in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, category C status, at Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF) Pearl Harbor, HI.
# Struck from the Naval Register, 6 November 2002
# Final Disposition, sunk as a target sunk, 12 July 2004, during RIMPAC 2004
# Peoria earned two campaign stars for Vietnam War service

Peoria is the fifth ship of the twenty ship Newport tank landing ship class, which replaced the traditional bow door design LST. Two derrick arms support a thirty-ton, 112-foot bow ramp for the unloading of tanks and other vehicles ashore, additionally, amphibious vehicles can be launched from the tank deck via the ship’s stern gate and the ship’s flight deck can accommodate most Navy helicopter types.

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The plaque can be found in the Peoria Courthouse Plaza along a wall as one would be exiting up a set of stairs towards Hamilton.

3 Responses to “245 – USS Peoria, LST-1183”

  1. Billy Dennis Says:

    This is a plaque that’s on display at Peoria City Hall, near the entrance that faces the grassy area near the glass walkway of the Peoria Civic Center.

  2. Pete Fitzpatrick Says:

    I was a crewmember on the Peoria 1985-89. A good crew, and a fine ship that took us around the world! We were proud of her, and flew the city of Peoria flag from our quarterdeck while in port. If i’m ever in Peoria, I will look for this plaque. I am certain that I have polished it more than once while a new deckhand. Good memories!

  3. Jerry Gallagher Says:

    I was a crew member on the USS Peoria from Aug 1983 until Oct 1984. We had a great time aboard and completed a West Pac from Aug 83- Mar 84. Great crew on board also.

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