CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The USS LST-325, 328-foot-long landing ship tank, has arrived in Clarksville.
The ship docked at McGregor Park as part of Visit Clarksville’s Welcome Home Veterans Celebration. The LST-325 is open for tours every day through September 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A crew of WWII, Korean and Vietnam veterans will conduct tours of the LST-325 during its Clarksville visit. General admission for adults is $10; children 6-17 is $5, and WWII veterans and active duty military in uniform are free.
Launched on October 27, 1942 and commissioned on February 1, 1943, the LST-325 been restored to its original condition. It is only ship of its kind that is fully operational in the U.S.
The LST-325 is an amphibious vessel designed to land battle-ready tanks, troops and supplies directly onto enemy shores. Ships of this type proved to be enormously useful both during times of war and peace. This particular LST was originally known as LST-325 during the Second World War, USNS LST-325 during its arctic operations in the 1950’s, and later L-144 (A/G Syros) while it was in the service of the Greek Navy. It was acquired by The USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc., in 2000, and caught considerable public attention when our veteran crew brought it on a 6,500-mile journey from the Greek island of Crete to Mobile, Alabama.
One of only two World War II LSTs to be preserved in the United States, the LST-325’s permanent home is Evansville, In. She has become a museum and memorial ship to the men who bravely served their country aboard LSTs.
A detailed history of the LST-325 is documented at http://www.lstmemorial.org/.
To volunteer or participate in any of the activities or events, please contact Frances Manzitto by email at frances@visitclarksvilletn.com or call 931-245-4345.