The USS New London County (LST-1066) was an LST-542-class tank landing ship that wasn’t disposed of after World War II, like many of her class. The ship was laid down in 1945 by the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard and was launched and commissioned in the same year. Following shakedown, she was designated flagship of LST Group 99 and departed in convoy for the Western Pacific. The vessel transferred ammunition to fleet ships after reaching Leyte, Philippines, and transported elements of the 6th Army to the Japanese islands. Upon returning home, she was placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet after decommissioning in 1946. The ship was recommissioned in 1962 and joined Squadron 19 in 1963 with the name of New London County. After a brief yard period and intensive refresher training, she reached the Western Pacific in 1966 and took part in the Vietnam War. The USS New London County was decommissioned in 1967, transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), and sold to the Chilean Navy in 1973. Asbestos was extensively used in nearly all types of military transportation — especially Navy ships. Veterans who develop asbestos-related conditions are entitled to file for benefits with the VA and may also file claims against asbestos trusts.
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