A Landing Ship Tank (LST) is a type of naval vessel that is designed to transport military vehicles, equipment, and troops from a ship to the shore. Other names for LSTs include Landing Craft Tank (LCT), Landing Craft Infantry (LCI), and Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM). These synonyms are used interchangeably with LST, depending on the country and its military terminology. In addition, there are various classes of LST, each with unique design specifications, such as the US Navy's Newport class and the Royal Navy's Bay class. Regardless of their various names and designs, LSTs have proven to be invaluable in military operations, particularly during amphibious assaults.