LST 277

Built by American Bridge Company at the Ambridge Manufacturing Plant in Ambridge, PA. Launched September 5, 1943. Commissioned USS LST-277 on October 24, 1943. During World War II USS LST-277 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Participated in five campaigns including Marshall Islands operation (Capture and occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls, February 1 to 5, 1944), Marianas Islands operation (Capture and occupation of Saipan, June 17 to 24, 1944), Leyte operation (Leyte landings, October 20, 1944), Manila Bay-Bicol operations (Nasugbu, January 31, 1945) and Okinawa Gunto operation (Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto, March 25 to June 24, 1945). USS LST-277 earned five battle stars for World War II service. Following World War II USS LST-277 was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from October 20, 1945 to February 12, 1946. Decommissioned on February 12, 1946. Assigned to Commander Naval Forces Far East (COMNAVFE) Shipping Control Authority for Japan (SCAJAP) on May 20, 1949, redesignated Q055. Transferred on March 31, 1952, the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS), and placed in service as USNS T-LST-277. Placed out of service and struck from the Naval Register on February 1, 1973. Sold to Chile on February 2, 1973 and was renamed Commandante Toro (LST-97). Retired from Chile naval service on October 24, 1977. Final Disposition, disposed of as a target on December 12, 1977.