World War II landing ship brings living history to Tennessee through Sept. 29
By Kim Rafferty
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HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) — A World War II-era landing ship is docked at Sanders Ferry Park on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, giving visitors a rare chance to walk the same decks used by troops and tanks more than 80 years ago.
LST-325 is not a replica. The ship was built during World War II to carry troops, vehicles and tanks directly onto the battlefield. It is open to visitors through Sept. 29.
One of the ship’s most striking features is its front ramp, which once deployed 20 Sherman tanks onto beaches during the war.
Ken Rupp, the ship’s cruise director, says the ship is over eighty years old.
“And you’re literally walking up the same ramp those 20 Sherman tanks came down. It takes you right back to the beaches of Normandy,” said Rupp.
For veterans and their families, the experience carries a deeper meaning.
“Oh, it’s a terrific experience. The veterans get the chance to re-experience some of the things that they did, but they also get the chance to share it with their family and friends,” said Rupp. The crew that operates the ship said the public’s response has been rewarding.
LST-325 spent decades in military service before a group of former sailors worked to bring it back to the United States and turn it into a floating museum. Getting the ship back required negotiating with the Greek government and an act of Congress.
“They got with the Greek government. Yeah, come and get one. It’s all yours. So that’s great. Oh, but we had to talk to Congress first. So it literally took an act of Congress to allow this navy ship to come back to the US,” Rupp said.
Perhaps the most sobering reminder of the ship’s history is found below deck.
“And the real awe moment is when you walk down to troop berthing and you just see the rows of bunks that would have been filled with either Marines, Army.”
LST-325 is docked at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville through Sept. 29.
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