Group : Landing Ships
Status : Active
Also Known As : Chung Ho (Taiwan), Hernan Cortes (Spain), Kanimbla (Australia), Mattoso Maia (Brazil), Papaloapan (Mexican), Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah (Morocco), Sri Indera Putera (Malaysia), Valdivia (Chile)
Origin : United States of America
Initial Operational Capability (IOC) : 1969
Total Production : 20

LST 1179 Newport class of Tank Landing Ships were designed to transport and deliver onshore heavy armored vehicles in support of amphibious operations. In addition, Newport ships are able to transport cargo and troops and to off loading amphibious vehicles directly into water. Typically these ships can carry 29 heavy vehicles and up to 350 fully equipped troops. Newport ships are powered by six diesel engines allowing for a top speed of 20 knots. Mk 15 Phalanx provides protection against threats at short ranges.

The US Navy commissioned 20 Newport class Tank Landing Ships between 1969 and 1972. They were deployed successfully in support of operation Desert Shield in 1990. As of 2005, all Newport class ships have been decommissioned by the US Navy. Only international navies, which received leased ex-US Navy ships, continue to operate them.