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| Subject: RE: LST 325 |
Author: Jim Craven
Date: 1/26/2012 6:44 pm CDT
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It seems as things have developed there is a "group of people" that will do all it can to have control. Perhaps time well spent would be ensuring that the City of Evansville keeps the LST and that they receive the appropriate Thank You's. The recent visit to Peoria was no doubt a planned event in the search for a 'new homeport'.
Buddy is correct.
Though the 325 was at Normandy the other LST's served the country well and on many different fronts and wars. Arctic Ops in the Cold War, KOREA and Viet Nam ... are all part of the "LST Story" So, regardless of the fact the 325 was at D-Day the LST was a big contributor to this nations well being.
Perhaps a "rewrite" needs to be considered. Yes Mention the 325's history but also mention/highlight the rest of the story. Remember, the "Gator Navy" made up the largest group or type of ships in the WWII era Navy. From the small LCVP up thru the large LSD, all the Gators made an important and valuable impact on both friend and foe since they were conceived.
Now with the just announced cuts in the US Military it appears that the Gator Navy will maintain a hold in our diplomacy and plans. We may end up with ships moored and crews doing the 'Blue Gold' crew changes on a few ships to keep them on station.... gee... seems like we did that after WWII and before Korea.
When it hits the fan the powers ask "Where is the nearest carrier?" and usually this is followed by "Where are the Marines?" (or Amphibious Ready Group?)
A side note: The current (Obama) Administration 'killed' (more then a year ago) the plans for the latest Marine Amphibious Assault Vehicle. The LVT 7 is about 40 years old and the clock is ticking. The Clinton Administration removed all LST's from the active Navy in favor of the thought that civilian ships could do the same job. Some LST's were sold, some became targets and some grounded or burned while under another nations flag.
Now we have a few (darn few) surface effect type ships that we are learning to use as a "replacement" for what the LST could do. I for one would love to see a of the ship modern LST back in service. But, I think this is just a dream of mine.
Having served on 4 LST's I kinda have a soft spot for them.
Hopefully the 325 remains afloat and the powers that be understand the true value.
Have a great day and do not forget to vote.
Jim Craven
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Author |
Date |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
1/25/2012 9:48 pm CDT |
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WE |
1/26/2012 8:35 am CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
1/26/2012 2:07 pm CDT |
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Jim Craven |
1/26/2012 6:44 pm CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
1/27/2012 10:01 am CDT |
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Sabrina Dawber |
2/19/2012 5:20 pm CDT |
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Buddy LST 1126 |
2/20/2012 9:26 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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