CINCINNATI — Those who frequent downtown Cincinnati have grown accustomed to seeing a variety of boats and watercraft in the Ohio River — speedboats, jet skis, pontoons, barges and more than a few riverboats.
But few are as unique, or historic, as the USS LST-325, a 328-foot ship used in World War II during the invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
What You Need To Know
- A World War II ship will port at Public Landing in downtown Cincinnati from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3
- The U.S. Navy used the USS LST-325 for many missions over the decades, including the invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day
- Today, the ship calls Evansville, Ind., home, but it sails to port cities every September and October
- The organization that operates the floating museum uses it as a way to educate the public about history and the men who once served aboard it
The massive vessel will be on display at Public Landing in Sawyer Point from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3. Those who’d like to step on board can purchase a ticket every day during that period from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for young people between the ages of 6 and 17.
There’s no cost for admission for World War II and Korean War vets, according to Cincinnati Parks, which operates Sawyer Point. The city department said first responders and active-duty military in uniform can board for free as well.
“This is truly a piece of United States history. The City of Cincinnati is proud to host and display for all to enjoy and learn from,” Cincinnati Parks wrote in a statement.
LST stands for “Landing Ship, Tank.” Ship designers built these amphibious vessels to land battle-ready tanks, troops and supplies directly onto enemy shores.
The LST-325 is the last fully functioning LST in the country, according to USS LST Ship Memorial, Inc., which operates it.
The nonprofit lists the ship as having served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, with the Military Sea Transportation Service in arctic operations in the 1950s, and with the Greek Navy from 1964 until 2000.
“She was then brought back to the United States by a small, dedicated group of veterans during a harrowing month-long journey in the winter of 2000-2001, according to the organization’s website.
Today, the LST-325 calls Evansville, Ind. home and provides tours to guests throughout the year. Every September and October, though, a volunteer crew sails the ship to other port cities to educate the public about LSTs and the men who served on them.
Standard tours include the main deck, troop berthing, tank deck, mess deck, galley, stern of ship (guns and anchor), wheel house, officer’s country and the captain’s cabin. The typical tour includes up to six sets of stairs. The organization also offers a shorter main deck tour that avoids stairs.
There's an on-ship gift shop for things such as souvenirs and bottles of water.
More information is available on the USS LST Ship Memorial website.