USS Sumter (LST-1181) was the third ship of the twenty ship Newport-class tank landing ship, which replaced the traditional bow door design LST. Two derrick arms support a capacity, long bow ramp for the unloading of tanks and other vehicles ashore, additionally, amphibious vehicles can be launched from the tank deck via the ship's stern gate and the ship's flight deck can accommodate most Navy helicopter types. A between-decks ramp allows easy access from the tank deck to the main deck to off-load all equipment from the bow.