Tour a World War II-era Naval Ship at Sawyer Point

Want to stand on the deck of a World War II-era ship that took part in the invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day? All aboard! Head to Public Landing at Sawyer Point between Sept. 28 and Oct. 3 to see a 328-foot landing ship designated LST (Landing Ship, Tank) 325 that is capable of transporting 20 Sherman tanks in the hold and, on the main deck, 30-40 trucks, fuel, ammunition, supplies and soldiers — enough firepower to turn the tides of conflict at a global scale.

Visitors can get a glimpse of where soldiers readied themselves for battle across a number of major military campaigns, including the Korean War and Vietnam conflicts. Construction of this ship began Aug. 10, 1942  in Philadelphia, PA by the U.S. Navy Shipyard and it launched to war Oct. 27 of the same year. LST 325, which is one of 1,051 LSTs, played a vital role in the European theatre of World War II, making more than 40 round trips between England and France to deliver supplies to US troops and other allies.

According to a press release, LST 325 saved many lives during the war: “On one of her trips, she rescued 600 soldiers out of the North Sea, as the Austrian troop ship, the Javelin, was torpedoed and sunk. Risking his own ship, the Captain stopped and picked them all up out of the cold water.”

Sept. 28-Oct. 3. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.. Adult tickets are $15, $7.50 for students aged 6-17 and free admission for WW II and Korean War vets, first responders and active-duty military in uniform. Public Landing at Sawyer Point, 435 E Mehring Way, the Banks.