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LAST UPDATE: 28 June 2004
More Bow Door and Ramp Pictures
Introduction: The web site will attempt to provide a detailed description of the design and interior spaces within the LST's built during WW II. It is a work in progress. Many pages are incomplete. The original inspiration for this site is Robert Alferi's thesis on LST's. His non-published collection of information about LST's inspired me and serves as a framework for much of this site. All pictures were taken by me (Michael Smith), except where noted. Web-space provided by eideashop.com
Please email with questions or comments to michael@insidelst.com
The continuing improvement of this page would not be possible with out the dedication of all the volunteers and supporters that continue to work on the LST 325. It is because we have a working vessel that so much information can be illustrated be these pages. Please support the LST 325. www.lstmemorial.org
The
Concept: The
concept for the LST was rooted in the need for transporting men and equipment
across the seas and landing them on a shoreline that had not been developed as a
commercial harbor. An excerpt from a July
1963 LST 1076 General Information Book states, "The function of the ship is
to transport motor vehicles to a beach head and have them disembark under their
own power ready for battle". Commercial
harbors, complete with the breakwaters, dredged channels, piers or wharves,
mooring buoys, cranes and other handling equipment, were a precious resource
that would be heavily defended by the enemy. Attacking
a heavily defended commercial harbor would generally result in massive
destruction of the very facilities which would be valuable to the invading
forces. The ability to land on
undeveloped beaches would force the enemy to “spread out” their defensive
manpower and firepower, while providing the means to deliver fighting forces and
their equipment to an enemy shore. Please tour the LST by choosing a deck or an area of interest below.
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