WWII LST-325 in Nashville Labor Day Weekend

There were over 1,000 built last century. Now there's only 1 that is still operational.

This Landing Ship Tank (LST) was built during WWII. LSTs were designed during that war by the Allies and were the largest ships in the Amphibious Forces, like an early Transformers creation. Their unique features allowed them to carry tanks, vehicles, cargo, supplies, and troops directly from the sea to the beach.

The LST-325 will be docked in downtown #Nashville from Thursday, August 31st - Monday, September 4th. You'll see it on the Cumberland River from lower Broadway. And you can step aboard for a unique, once in a lifetime self-guided adventure!

Tours are available daily during this limited showcase.

• Tickets can be purchased on location for $10 per person.
• WWII veterans, military in uniform or veterans with ID, and children under 5 are FREE.
• Ages 6-17, cost $5.

Opening Ceremony for the Public: 8/31 at 11 a.m.

Tours open at noon Thurs. 8/31 until 5 p.m.

9/1 - 9/4: Tours run from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Best to be in line by 3 p.m. to ensure time for entry and tour.

The LST-325 was launched on October 27, 1942. This photo shows the ship loaded with vehicles in the summer of 1943 for the invasion of Sicily. It made 5 more trips to Sicily with vehicles and soldiers. On return trips, it was often loaded with Italian prisoners.

High tech tools are not just for the 21st century...

The Germans attacked a convoy in Algeria during the fall of 1943 using the new remote-controlled glider-bombs. This technology sunk several transport ships.

But the LST-325 survived and made ready for another important battle on June 6, 1944.

That's right, we know it as D-Day. The LST-325 provided back up troops and vehicles as shown unloading above off Omaha Beach. During the course of WWII, this ship made the trek between England and France 43 times.

The military continued to use LSTs in the wars in Korea and Vietnam. The last LST was decommissioned in 2002.

The LST-325 is on the National Register of Historic Places, which is quite a journey from the shipyard where it was first built.

The LST-325 will be docked on the East side of the Cumberland River Park near 43 Titans Way, Nashville TN 37213 across from Nissan Stadium. (Map & Directions)

Parking is available in Lot R at Nissan Stadium for $5.

Remember it's still warm outside and there's NO AC on the ship. It can get quite warm with the crowds. 

You can bring bottled water in a closed container to stay hydrated. There may also be bottled water for sale on site. 

Hope you get to enjoy exploring this piece of history.

Tours could take about an hour. You'll get to tour all the major areas of the ship including: tank deck, mess deck, galley area, wing deck, etc. 

It includes 3 sets of stairs down and 3 sets of stairs up. You are allowed to ask questions and take pictures at any point during the tour. Good walking shoes are recommended.

Can't make it this weekend to Nashville?

The LST-325 will be headed to Clarksville next and docked at McGregor Park at 640 N. Riverside Dr., Clarksville TN 37040 across from Church's Chicken. 

(Map & Directions)

Open for Public Tours Sept.7th - Sept. 15th, 2017.

Wednesday, Sept. 6th Opening Ceremony 10:00 a.m. (Public Invited).

Clarksville Tours:

Thursday, Sept. 7th  - Friday, Sept. 15th    9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Or you can visit this ship at its museum home base in Evansville, Indiana. For the most up-to-date information, contact their office at 812-435-8678 or by email at [email protected].

Photo credits: #LST325

#WWII #LaborDay