Historic ship to visit Chester
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[CHESTER - The USS LST-325 will visit Chester September 16, 17 and 18. Tours of the historic ship will be offered from 9 am to 5 pm each day. A Historical Military Vehicle Display and World War II Living Camp will also be held along the banks of the Mississippi River during the weekend. The public is invited to experience the WWII era by viewing the vessel, vehicles and authentic Living Camps.
The LSTs (Landing Ship Tanks) were created during World War II to transport large quantities of vehicles, supplies and troops directly onto any shore. History reports that the concept for the design and building of the LST was inspired by Sir Winston Churchill. Early in World War II, Churchill dreamed of a ship versatile enough to carry troops, tanks, fuel and equipment across large bodies of water and deposit the cargo onto enemy beaches. The LST became known as "the ship that won the war".
Following design of the LST, production was started with the cooperation of engineering companies, manufacturing plants and financial institutions. A total of 1051 LSTs were built in 17 shipyards in the U.S. Two mid-west inland shipyards included the Chicago Bridge and Iron Co. in Seneca IL, and the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Co. in Evansville IN. Rapid production methods were devised and assembly lines were able to speed up production. Large work forces were made up of people from all walks of life. Many came with a sincere desire to serve their country and they participated in the formal training to develop skills in welding, pipe fitting, electrical work, insulating, record keeping, blue print reading, management and many other needed services to assist the war effort.
The efforts of these thousands of men and women during World War II produced 1051 LSTs in the United States. At the peak of production from 1941-1945, some American shipyards were able to complete two of these massive ships each week; each LST cost approximately $1.4 million to build. The LST ships were numbered not named, due to the large number being quickly produced. These ships could carry 20 Sherman tanks in the giant hold within the ship and carry 30-40 trucks on the main deck in addition to tons of fuel, ammunition, supplies and soldiers. The bow doors would open and the lethal weapons and forces would charge into battle. The LSTs were utilized by all branches of the Services and proved extremely useful during WWII, Korea and the Vietnam War.
The USS LST-325 was launched October 27, 1942 and commissioned February 1, 1943. She played an important role in defending this country during World War II and beyond with service locations including: Mediterranean; Bay of Gela; Sicily; Salerno, Italy; Omaha Beach; Normandy; France; England; Belfast, Ireland; Panama; Labrador Sea; David Strait; Baffin Bay; Canada; Greenland; Greece. The LST-325 made over 40 trips from England to Normandy to provide support for troops.
In 1999, the USS LST-325 was decommissioned for the third and final time. In 2000, she was acquired by The USS Ship Memorial, Inc. and was saved from the fate of the scrap yard. The interesting story of the trip back across the Atlantic, the unique crew, the restoration and the current service of the USS LST-325 will be covered in a future article.
The USS LST-325 will be docked at the Chester riverfront near the boat ramps and available for tours from 9 am to 5 pm Friday, September 16, Saturday, September 17, and Sunday, September 18. Daily tours: Adults - $10.00; ages 6-17 - $5.00; under age 5 - free; Families (father, mother, minor children) - $20.00. School tours will be offered at special rates. Opening Ceremonies on Friday will include a presentation of the colors by the Chester VFW and American Legion, words from local leaders, and music by the Chester High School Band. A Historical Military Vehicle Display and World War II Living Camp will also be held along the banks of the Mississippi River during the weekend of September 16-18. The public is invited to witness a unique piece of U.S. history by touring this distinguished vessel, experiencing WWII re-enactors and viewing historical military vehicles.
Future articles will cover the restoration of the USS LST-325, details about the Historical Military Vehicle Display and the World War II Living Camp.