Normandy, Sicily, Italy, and now Bettendorf. The LST-325 is one of the largest ships built during World War II, and she served all over the European Theater. This weekend, the transport ship will dock in Bettendorf, and will be open for tours. The historic vessel saw extensive combat in World War II, and participated in some of the war’s most famous operations.
Andrew Schade is the ship’s memorial operations manager.
"The 325 herself was involved in most of the major operations in Europe, particpating in both the major invasions in Sicily and Salerno, Italy for the Allied Invasion there. And she was part of the D-Day landing force."
The 325 is about the length of a football field. She was launched in 1942, and served in the US Navy for 20 years. She made made 43 trips between England and France between 1944 and 1945, transporting troops, ammunition, and vehicles.
"So roughly once a year, the ship does set sail under her own power, despite being just over 75-years-old now, to visit various cities where she stops for several days to allow people to tour her, and see what the men of the Greatest Generation experienced in their service."
The ship will dock at the Isle Casino in Bettendorf. Tours will be held Thursday through next Monday from 11 AM to 6 PM. More information is available at www.LSTMemorial.org.