World War II tank landing ship docks on Pittsburgh's North Shore for tours
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- An incredible piece of American history that played a major role in the Allied powers' victory in World War II sailed into Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
The USS LST-325 is docked at North Shore Riverfront Park, and the crew is preparing to open tours for people who want to get on board and go back in time.
"It looks very much like the first one I was on," said Bill Jakovac of Allison Park, who served 20 years in the Navy.
The massive ship brought back memories for Jakovac. He served his country on two LSTs.
"It's nice to see something from World War II because there are not too many of them left, museum pieces mostly. It's nice to see this one on the water," Jakovac said.
The LST-325, which was commissioned in 1943, was one of many LSTs that took part in World War II's turning point -- the D-Day invasion.
It was decommissioned in 1946, though it was reactivated twice in 1951 and 1963. It was decommissioned for a third time in 1999. The ship currently docks in Evansville, Indiana, where it serves as a museum and memorial to all the heroes who served aboard landing ship tanks, including those who stormed the beaches of Normandy under enemy fire.
"I can tell you that these guys were very brave, the fact that they all did it. So, that's one reason we're here today," said Bob Kubota, captain of the USS LST-325.
The old navy ship is in Pittsburgh as part of the nonprofit USS LST Ship Memorial's annual fundraiser cruise down the Ohio River. Before the Steel City, the LST-325 visited Owensboro, Kentucky. After this stop, it'll continue onto Wheeling, West Virginia, and Marietta, Ohio.
Captain Kubota said a lot of the vessel is in the same shape it was in WWII, and there's a lot to see in the ship.
"You can come on and you can see where these guys slept, and you can see the living conditions they had. The sailors ate off of metal trays, and we still have some of the trays sitting out so everybody can see them," he said.
While the boat is docked on the North Shore, self-guided walking tours will be offered from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3. Tickets can be purchased on board.
Everyone's welcome to come aboard and explore the incredible history of this ship.
"I think it's great. I hope everybody has a chance to come down here and look at it," Jakovac said.
The USS LST-325 is one of only two WWII landing ship tanks in the United States today.