condemned ammunition from NAD Charleston, the Calhoun County experienced underwater explosions, caused by the detonation of several torpex-loaded torpedo warheads. Minor hull damage resulted, but there were no personnel casualties. Repairs were made at Savannah, GA. From 24 August to 23 October 1956, Calhoun County underwent its regular shipyard overhaul at the Bethlehem Steel Shipyard, Staten Island, NY. Major improvements effected during this period were the installation of a new radar and the renewal of most of the ammunition bin on the main deck. Following her overhaul, Calhoun County reported to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for refresher training from 6 to 24 November 1956. She received an overall mark of "Good" on her battle problem. Calhoun County was struck by SS Nellie on 27 June 1959 in the vicinity of Sandy Hook, New Jersey. As the result, the 40 mm gun tub on the port side had to be removed and the degaussing system was placed out of commission. There were no personnel casualties. During April 1960, Calhoun County operated with TG 7.3 on a scientific mission in the vicinity of Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico. A shipyard overhaul was completed in September 1960, after which she participated in underway training off the coast of Virginia. In October, she was deployed to Naval Station Argentia, Newfoundland, for ammunition disposal. After four disposal trips, this command undertook an amphibious disembarking of an experimental team off the beach of LaPoille, Newfoundland. This was followed by a five-day "good will" trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia. November 1960, through June 1961, the Calhoun County was engaged in routine dumping operations from Boston to Charleston. She was decommissioned 1 November 1962 after eighteen-and-a-half years of Naval service. Only one other LST of World War II class was in continuous commission longer than the LST-519. Her final duty was as a gunnery target for several warships. However, gunfire failed to sink her, so demolition charges were used to carry out the coup de grâce. Controversy A 2013 article in the Tampa Bay Times reported allegations that for 15 years after the close of World War II, Calhoun County was involved in a covert operation to dispose of radioactive toxic waste into ocean. The operation allegedly lead to deaths of sailors serving aboard during this period from illnesses linked to radiation, and the ship ultimately had to be disposed of by sinking do to radioactivity. The US