USS Lafayette County (LST-859)

USS Lafayette County (LST-859)

USS Lafayette County (LST-859) was an LST-542-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II. Named after counties in Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, and Wisconsin, and a parish in Louisiana, she was the only U.S. Naval vessel to bear the name.

Originally laid down as LST-859 by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company of Seneca, Illinois on 26 September 1944; launched on 15 December 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Elsie M. Marcum; and commissioned at Algiers, Louisiana on 6 January 1945 with Lieutenant Daniel D. Kipnis in command.