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| Subject: LST in for repairs |
Author: Jim Craven
Date: 11/29/2012 10:29 pm CDT
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Ken Decan is sending his Type II LST back to the Luke-Avondale Shipyard for repairs. Over the last year he has spoken to school children and Vet groups. These "show and tell" sessions have caused some minor damages which will be repaired soon. Once repairs are completed the ship will return to Reedsport, OR. Ken enjoys speaking to all these groups and as such keeps the stories of the WWII Gator Navy alive.
When he receives his LST (His LST was really sunk off of Okinawa due to enemy aircraft action and ensuing fires aboard the LST) I am sure he will enjoy the referbished ship.
Just a reminder: The amphibious forces had the most commissioned ships then any other part of the USN during WWII. Gators mage up more than 30% of the Navy during WWII.
His repaired LST may have some additional support ships such as an LSM, LCI (L) and a Mike 3 or 6. A set of causeways and several vehicles will join his small "Show and Tell Flotilla". These will join an LCT that he already has.
Ken - I thank you for keeping the history alive with the younger generations.
Jim Craven
Luke-Avondale Shipyards
623-206-0187
jascraven@gmail.com
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LST in for repairs |
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Jim Craven |
11/29/2012 10:29 pm CDT |
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Jim Craven |
11/29/2012 10:47 pm CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
12/22/2012 2:47 pm CDT |
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Jim Craven |
12/22/2012 4:21 pm CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
12/22/2012 2:45 pm CDT |
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On May 21, 2005 a monument was unveiled in Seneca, Illinois, dedicated to all the workers, who built 157 LSTs at the Seneca “Prairie Shipyard” as well as all those who served on any LST during World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. The monument contains seals of the US Navy, the US Coast Guard, the British LST Association, and the sponsoring organization, the Illinois LST Association.
The monument contains a sculpture of an LST on top of the gray marble center section. On the two flanking black marble sections are etchings of an LST being launched, an LST beached and unloading its cargo of tanks, and a woman shipyard welder. On the sides of the black sections all 157 LSTs constructed at Seneca are listed The monument stands in Crotty Park in Seneca, on property adjacent to the old Chicago Bridge and Iron shipyard.
Approximately 500 people from all over the country and Great Britain attended the dedication. After the dedication, approximately 200 of those in attendance gathered together for a catered lunch.
About 27,000 people worked at the shipyard during World War II. A number of those and/or their descendants attended the ceremony. They are rightly proud of their contribution to the war effort, as is the city of Seneca, Illinois, the home of the “Prairie Shipyard”.
During World War
2 there were 1051 LST's (Landing Ship Tank) built to carry
troops and supplies to American and Allied troops fighting
in Europe and the Pacific theaters. When WW2 ended most of
the LST's were scrapped, modified, or given to Navies of
other countries. Some remained in service and saw action in
Korea, Viet Nam, and even the Cuban Blockade.
A few WW2 type
LST's remain in service today, but not in the USA.
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