WWII ship docks in Cincinnati, open for tours

A landing ship, tank (LST) that was used in World War II, the USS LST 325, is docked in Cincinnati and open to the public for tours.

Out of 1,051 landing ship, tanks made during World War II, the USS LST 325 is the last remaining, operational ship in its original war configuration left in the United States, according to a press release. The ship still has the original anti-aircraft guns, an elevator which was used to load and unload vehicles on the main deck and two landing craft, vehicle, personnels (LCVP), which were small boats used for amphibious landings during the war.

The ship is docked at the Public Landing next to the Great American Ball Park and is open for tours through Wednesday. Tour hours will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last tour starting at 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children and teens between 6–17. Children ages 5 and under are free. A family package is available for $20 and includes two adults and minor children.

Tickets will be available at the door. No individual advance tickets will be sold, but school groups can tour the ship at reduced rates by scheduling in advance at 812-435-8678.

The entire ship is not handicap accessible, but guests with special needs will have access to the tank deck area.

Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days and wait times can be up to one hour in the afternoon, according to the press release. Weekday crowds are typically smaller, with minimal wait times, if any.

The USS LST 325 is scheduled to depart Cincinnati for Evansville on Thursday, Sept. 17.

Brief history:

LST stands for landing ship, tank. These ships were designed in 1942 to land battle-ready tanks, vehicles, soldiers and supplies directly onto enemy beaches. According to the press release, many of the ships were also used for the Korean and Vietnam Wars for their ability to navigate inland waterways.

The USS LST 325 participated in several operations, most notably D-Day at Omaha Beach, Normandy. It was there for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily in 1943. It also sailed as support for the invasion of Salerno, Italy later that year. This ship has seen 72 years of history and has survived as the last fully-operational WWII LST.

The USS LST 325 will depart Evansville, Indiana Aug. 27 and will return to Evansville on Sept. 19.