Two weeks ago family got together for a day out. I have a grandson who is a entering sixth grade this year and is a serious WWII student. For us all it was a wonderful time together and to remember those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.
USS LST-325 is a decommissioned tank landing ship of the US Navy. It's now docked in Evansville, Indiana. It was launched on October 27, 1942 at Philadelphoa, Pennsylvania and commissioned in February 1943. The ship opereated in the North Africa area and participated in the invasions of Gela, Sicily and Salerno, Italy. It also participated in the Normandy Landings at Omaha Beach. She carried 59 vehicles, 30 officers, and a totals of 396 enlisted men on that first trip.
Wheel House
Artillery
Ship's Bridge
Ships off ramp, restored M16 MGMC personnel carrier, the tank deck
After the war the LST was placed in service with the Military Sea Transportation Service in 1951. From 1964 to 1999 LST-325was in Greece as part of the grant-in-aid pogram She served in the Hellenic Navy and RHS Syros. LST is on of the last in operation in the US.
She is now based in Evansville, Indiana.
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During WWII the Evansville, Indiana riverfront was transformed into a 45-acre shipyard to produce LST's. At it peak the Evansville Shipyard emplayed a workforce of of over 19,000 and completed two of these massive ships per week, becomeing the largest inland producer of LST's in the US. Although the evansville Shipyard was originally contracted to build 24 ships, the city would evenutally produce 167 LST's and 35 other vessels. (Wikipedia)
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It was good to learn about the role this area played in the winning of WWII. But the best part of the day was just being with family!! For that I am truly grateful.
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Thanks be to God!!
Cathy
