LST 283

Built by American Bridge Company at the Ambridge Manufacturing Plant in Ambridge, PA. Launched October 10, 1943. Commissioned USS LST-283 on November 18, 1943. During World War II USS LST-283 was assigned to the Europe-Africa-Middle East Theater. Participated in two campaigns including the Invasion of Normandy (June 6 to 25, 1944 – USS LST-283 departed Halifax N.S. February 11, 1944, arriving Milford Haven. England on March 16, 1944. There she was loaded and departed June 5, 1944 for the invasion of Normandy, anchoring off UTAH beach. LST-283 made nine shuttles between Portland, England and OMAHA and UTAH beaches with prisoners and wounded Although not classified as “H” she carried 4 doctors and 40 corpsmen.) and Invasion of Southern France (August 15 to September 13, 1944). USS LST-283 earned two battle stars for World War II service. Following World War II USS LST-283 was assigned to Occupation service in the Far East from September 20 to November 20, 1945. Decommissioned on June 13, 1946. Struck from the Naval Register on January 22, 1947. Sold for conversion to commercial service on March 25, 1947, to Northrup H. Castle, Honolulu, HI., named M/S Rawhiti. Purchased by Peru on December 21, 1951 for service in the Peruvian Navy as BAP Chimbote (LST-34). Final Disposition, fate unknown.