USS LST-629


USS LST-629 originally was a United States Navy built during World War II and in commission from 1944 to 1946 and again in the late 1952. She was sold to the Republic of Singapore Navy and renamed RSS Excellence.

Construction and commissioning

USS LST-629 was laid down on 13 April 1944 at Seneca, Illinois, by the Chicago Bridge and Iron Company. She was launched on 8 July 1944 and commissioned on 28 July 1944 with a Lieutenant David C. Holly in command.

Service in United States Navy

1940s

During World War II, LST-629 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and participated in Invasion of Lingayen Gulf from 8 to 18 January 1945. She also participating in the Mindanao Islands landing from 17 to 23 April 1945. LST-629 participated in Okinawa Gunto Operations, the invasion of southern Okinawa on 12 to 30 June 1945. LST-629 was assigned to China service from 20 to 26 December 1945 and was decommissioned on 4 March 1946, assigned for Commander Naval Forces Far East Shipping Control Authority for Japan and redesignated as Q083.

1950s-1960s

LST-629 was transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service, 31 March 1952 and redesignated as USNS T-LST-629.

Service in Republic of Singapore Navy

1970s

T-LST-629 was on loan since 1 July 1971 but finally sold to Singapore on 5 December 1975 and was renamed as RSS Excellence.

1980s-1990s

RSS Excellence participated in Bedok Jetty exercise in late 1980s alongside her sister ship RSS Resolution. RSS Excellence and 4 of her sister ships were decommissioned in 1999 following the newly commissioned RSS Endurance.

2000s-2010s

All four ex-US Navy LSTs are employed as floating sea-defense barricades for Changi Naval Base.

Gallery

Awards and honors