PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A remarkable piece of American history that played a major role in the Allied victory in World War II arrived in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
The USS LST-325 is docked at North Shore Riverfront Park, where crew members are getting ready to start offering tours for people who want to step aboard and step back in time.
LST-325 docked on Pittsburgh’s North Shore on Aug. 28, 2024. (Photo: KDKA)
“It’s very similar to the first one I rode on,” said Bill Yakovac of Allison Park, who served in the Navy for 20 years.
The massive ship brought back memories for Jakovac, who served his country on two LSTs.
“There aren’t many World War II artifacts left, most are museum exhibits, so it’s nice to see it. It’s nice to see this out on the water,” Yakovac said.
Commissioned in 1943, LST-325 was one of many LSTs that took part in the Normandy landings, the turning point of World War II.
Decommissioned in 1946, she was recommissioned twice, in 1951 and 1963. She was decommissioned for a third time in 1999. Today, the ship is docked in Evansville, Indiana, and serves as a museum commemorating all the heroes who served aboard the tank landing ship, including those who stormed the beaches of Normandy under enemy fire.
“I can tell you that all of these guys were very brave. They all made it and that’s one of the reasons we’re here today,” said Capt. Bob Kubota of the USS LST-325.
The vintage Navy vessel is docked in Pittsburgh as part of the nonprofit USS LST Ship Memorial’s annual fundraising cruise down the Ohio River. Before the Steel City, LST-325 visited Owensboro, Kentucky. After that stop, it will continue on to Wheeling, West Virginia, and Marietta, Ohio.
Captain Kubota said that much of the ship remains as it was in World War II and there is much to see on board.
“You can come here and see where they slept and the living conditions. The sailors ate their meals on metal trays and some of the trays are still outside for anyone to see,” he said.
While the ship is docked on the North Shore, self-guided walking tours will be offered Aug. 30 through Sept. 3. Tickets can be purchased on board.
Everyone is welcome to come on board and explore the ship’s incredible history.
“I think it’s fantastic, and I encourage everyone to come out and check it out,” Yakovac said.
The USS LST-325 is one of only two World War II-era tank landing ships currently in America.
