USS LST-5 Facts and Information Revealed

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Turkish military landing ship L403 in a bustling harbor with cityscape backdrop.
Credit: pexels.com, Turkish military landing ship L403 in a bustling harbor with cityscape backdrop.

The USS LST-5 was a tank landing ship that played a significant role in World War II. It was built by the Dravo Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The USS LST-5 was 327 feet long and 50 feet wide, with a draft of 6 feet. It was powered by two General Motors 16-71 diesel engines. The ship had a top speed of 12 knots and a range of 15,000 nautical miles.

The USS LST-5 was commissioned on March 20, 1943, and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

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Construction

LST-5 was laid down on July 12, 1942, at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by the Dravo Corporation.

The construction of LST-5 took place at a shipyard in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which was a significant location for naval shipbuilding during World War II.

LST-5 was launched on October 3, 1942, with Mrs. Wanetta Rose Barker as its sponsor.

She was commissioned on February 22, 1943, marking the end of her construction phase.

Service History

Photo of a Ship
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of a Ship

USS LST-5 played a significant role in World War II, serving in the Mediterranean and European Theaters. The ship participated in the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943.

The Salerno Landings in September 1943 were another notable operation where LST-5 was involved. This was a key moment in the war, marking a major turning point in the Allied advance.

LST-5 also took part in the Invasion of Normandy in June 1944. This operation marked the beginning of the end of Germany's control over Western Europe.

The ship was built at Dravo Corporation's Neville Island Shipyard in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Final Disposition

The USS LST-5's final days were marked by a series of significant events.

The ship was struck from the Navy list on August 1, 1947, marking the end of its service with the United States Navy.

After being decommissioned, the LST-5 was sold to the Tung Hwa Trading Co. in Singapore, where it was destined for scrapping.

Board of USS Alabama Warship
Credit: pexels.com, Board of USS Alabama Warship

Here's a list of some interesting facts about the USS LST-5's final disposition:

  • The LST-5 was sold to the Tung Hwa Trading Co. on October 7, 1947.
  • The ship was sold for scrapping, bringing an end to its service.

As we reflect on the USS LST-5's final days, it's clear that its service had a significant impact on the world.

USS LST-5 Information

The USS LST-5 was a tank landing ship that served in the United States Navy during World War II. It was built by the Dravo Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The USS LST-5 was launched on October 3, 1942, and commissioned on February 22, 1943. It was sponsored by Mrs. Wanetta Rose Barker.

The ship was 328 feet long and 50 feet wide, with a displacement of 1,625 long tons when light and 4,080 long tons when full. Its draft varied depending on whether it was loaded or unloaded.

The USS LST-5 had two General Motors 12-567 diesel engines, which powered two shafts and twin rudders, allowing it to reach a speed of 12 knots. Its range was approximately 24,000 nautical miles at 9 knots.

People observe US Navy ship behind an exclusion fence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Credit: pexels.com, People observe US Navy ship behind an exclusion fence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The ship carried six Landing Craft, Vehicle, and Personnel (LCVPs), and had a cargo capacity of 1600-1900 tons. It also had a crew of 14 officers and 131 enlisted men.

Here's a breakdown of the ship's armament:

  • 2 twin 40mm gun mounts with Mk.51 directors
  • 4 single 40mm gun mounts
  • 12 single 20mm gun mounts

The USS LST-5 earned a total of 5 battle stars for its service in World War II.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any LST ships left today?

Yes, there is at least one LST ship still in existence, the LST 325, which is on display in Evansville, Indiana and open for tours.

How many Sherman tanks could an LST carry?

An LST could carry 20 Sherman tanks, each weighing 33 tons.

How many LSTs were lost in WWII?

A total of 39 LSTs were lost during WWII, with 13 due to accidents and 26 to enemy action. The majority of losses occurred in a single day in 1943 due to an ammunition explosion.

What is the difference between an LCT and LST?

An LCT (Landing Craft, Tank) is a smaller vessel that carries tanks and troops, while an LST (Landing Ship, Tank) is a larger ship that can carry multiple LCTs, tanks, and troops. The main difference lies in their size and cargo capacity.

Gretchen Gerhold

Writer

Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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