The USS LST passes through Sistersville at night.

The transient dock at the park, the ferry boat landing and the veterans park at the city docks, all had visitors camped out well after sunset on Monday evening Aug. 27.

Others watched from Paden City Park and along the RiverFront in New Martinsville. Folks were hoping to catch the site of the USS LST-325 Ship Memorial, based out of Evansville, Indiana, on its way to Pittsburgh. She left her home port Saturday, August 24th and will be touring cities along the Ohio River. She has a rich history and served in World War 2 on the beaches of Normandy as well as the invasions of Sicily and Salerno. Now after more than 75 years of operations, she remains the last fully functional World War 2 configured LST in the United states.

The LST, which stands for landing ship tank, was first developed during World War II (1939 – 1945) to support amphibious operations by carrying tanks, vehicles, cargo and troops and landing them directly onto beaches with no access to docks or piers. The shallow draft and bow doors and ramps of the LST made it possible for amphibious assaults on almost any beach. Known for its specialized design that enabled ocean crossings as well as shore groundings, the LST had a flat keel that allowed the ship to be beached and stay upright. The LSTs served across the globe during world war 2 including in the Pacific war and the European theater.

She will be visiting Marietta Riverfront, September 12th through the 15th. Self-guided walking tours are available at each stop. Ticket costs are: Adults – $15, children 6 through 17 – $7.00 and children under 5 are free. You can find more information at their Facebook page or by visiting www.1stmemorial.org.