Atsumi-class tank landing ship

The Atsumi-class landing ship tank is a class of three tank landing ships (LSTs) that served with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) from 1972 to 2005. They were primarily deployed for logistic support but were also used to carry heavy construction equipment such as trenchers.

Description
The three Atsumi-class tank landing ships (LSTs) had a standard displacement of 1,500 LT and 2,400 LT at full load. They were 89 m overall with a beam of 13 m and a draft of 2.7 m. Ships in the class were powered by two Kawasaki-MAN V8V 22/30 AMTL diesel engines turning two shafts rated at 4,400 bhp. This gave them a maximum speed of 14 kn.

Vessels of the class carried two Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVPs). The LCVPs were slung under davits and a traveling gantry crane with folding rails that could be extended over the side handled the two LCMs positioned on the foredeck. The LSTs could carry up 130 troops. The Atsumi class were armed with twin-mounted 40 mm guns in a single turret placed each at the bow and stern. The LSTs were equipped with OPS-9 air search. They had a complement of 100 officers and crew.

Service history
Three tank landing ships were ordered from Sasebo Heavy Industries and constructed in Sasebo, Japan. The first of the class, Atsumi entered service in 1972 with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), with Motobu following in 1973 and Nemuro in 1977. Primarily used for logistic support.