USS LST-325 — Attraction in Evansville

First, I must offer a disclaimer because I Volunteer here from Time to time... But, my appreciation for all this Vessel represents grows each and every moment I share with her and everyone else I interact with aboard. Be they visitors or currently Members of the Memorial, everyone has contributed so very much to not only myself, but the collective Soul of the Ship which is why she is so Important not only to me, but everyone else that cherishes the precious Freedom we often take for granted.

During my latest time spent Aboard, I was accompanied by a Guest that had Accepted my Personal Invitation to Tour the Ship. After our Arrival and Confirmation of Credentials, the Office Staff on Duty and I Agreed that Zachary Shaw should lead our Tour Group, which also included another Couple that had braved the Rain and Storms in the Region to Learn about the LST 325 and her Incredible Stories of Ingenuity, Heroism, and Survival.

Mr. Shaw, because of the uncontrollable Weather we encountered, unfortunately could not give the Full Tour, as the Rain was coming down in Quantities unlikely seen by Noah and His Crew aboard the Ark... but nonetheless, Zachary was able to provide and inform our Guests about the Spaces inside the LST 325.

Of particular interest were the Troop Berthing areas and the Tank Deck with it's many Displays that depicted some of the Stories that not only this Ship, but the Stories Her Sister LSTs had to tell... from Their Conception, Design, Construction and Launching...

... to the Logistics of Multi-faceted Missions these Brave Ships with their Officers, their Crews and the Personnel the LST were tasked with.

Zachary proved to be a Capable and Enthusiastic Guide, and brought to Guests a Mindfulness and Awareness of the Missions these Ships were built for...

... and that Far too many times, these Missions resulted in Great Sacrifice of Human Life.

Because of not just Zachary, but the Entirety of the Ship's Current and Past Membership and Their Families, the Gifts of the Selfless Bravery and Courageous Attributes of All that ever set foot upon a Purposeful Ship become not just the stuff of Sea Stories, but an Awareness of Mariners and Warriors that died in Battle...

... so We might live in Peace.

Please, won't You also consider Coming Aboard...

... and remember even though You might be a Guest or Tourist, that when You set Foot upon Her Deck, you might just Sense that You are Walking on Water, too... and are not Alone...

... because Everyone that Ever Sailed on a "Large Slow Target"?... well, a bit of Their Brave and Friendly Souls are Yet Aboard and Walking Beside You, too.

And all They ask in return is that We show Our Ship a little Love and Keep Her Going so The Souls of the Ship and their Purpose under Heaven are not Forgotten...

... even as They Guide us now as Individual Saints, and Angels, and the Heavenly Admiralty...

...yet, Together as One with Grace and with Love, and with God Above.

Good Luck and Godspeed,

(Kurt) Bruno Biava

0928z UTC 12 April 2025

(A special Thanks to the Office and Administrative Staff of the USS LST 325 Memorial for their kindly Patience and Advice, and for their Concern and Caring Attitude in regards to the Safety of our Guests and myself.)

p.s.

Just in Case I happen to be Involved in Your Tour, Please do not Address me as Captain...

The Title I hold is only an Honorary one aboard this Particular Ship...

... and to tell You the Honest Truth, I am the Single Greatest Hazard to Navigation since the Creation of the United States Navy!

My Wisdom Aboard and my Reputation is Questionable at Best, in fact they are so Bad that Real Mariners are Sworn to Secrecy by the United States Coast Guard and Instructed to Deny my Existence if my Name is ever mentioned...

... but, if Anyone ever needs to put a Rubber Ducky Aground in a Bathtub full of Hot Water...

Call me Captain!

(Trust me, that Trick is so Easy even a Child can...

We recently visited this ship - An amazing piece of history. I think it was an honor to go aboard, but think small things can completely change a person’s experience. I would give the ship 5 stars, but our guide 1 star. Therefore I am going with three for this review, which I feel is quite generous.

Here is why: Our tour guide was Ava (I think). The first thing she did was review her “three strike rules.” In other words, if you are corrected 3 times, she said that you would be removed from the ship. I am an adult and enjoy being treated as such. I have travelled all over the country and have never heard someone start the tour like this. She also told us that she did not have enough coffee that day and may mispronounce things.

She talked extremely fast and the entire thing sounded scripted. Boom, boom, boom on the tour stops... Stop, quickly read your script and move on. I (and my group) found her to be snippy, rude, and a bit disrespectful. She gave pop-quizzes on different topics, but later asked why there was little to no participation. Well, I think that is clear - Nobody was comfortable with her because of her snippy personality.

There is a radio on display that sits openly on the tour route. There was no “do not touch” notes on or around it. I touched the dial, as I was curious to see how the operation feels after so many years in service. I was quickly reprimanded by her - “Sir, do NOT touch the radio!! Thank you!” I have an idea here... if they don’t want people to touch it, then don’t have it on display along the rope line, which begs to be touched. Then, put a note by it indicating that it should not be touched.

I feel like they want people to touch it so they can scold them and feel like big shots. 

I feel like she is doing a real disservice to the ship and crew with her attitude. The “come on come on come on people” is not a good model. I wanted to focus on the ship, crew and history, but sadly, walked away with memories of her snippiness and rushing. It could have been worse however - The group behind us was guided by a man who was yelling at the people as if it was the first day of basic training. This is uncalled for.

Bottom line: Focus on the ship, crew and its history. Treat people with respect and kindness. It is tourist funds that help keep this ship afloat and available for people to see. Give folks something to remember instead of tour guide meltdowns. Try to remember that people have a choice on what to see. Some drive from hundreds of miles to experience this ship. Nobody appreciates a...

My father was in the Navy so visiting an actual ship that participated in D-Day WWII was pretty amazing. All of the crew are volunteers who have served and they are so informative and pleasant to speak to. You can walk through at your own pace, there are volunteers stationed throughout to answer questions and explain certain areas, equipment, etc. You stand in awe thinking of the many sailors, tanks and equipment that passed through this massive ship. The USS LST 325 (Landing Ship, Tank) is 328 feet long and 50 feet wide and 65 feet tall, and can transport 20 Sherman tanks. It made 44 trips between England and France and earned 2 Battle Stars. One of the volunteers informed us it had been struck twice by artillery fire during the war. We visited while it was docked at Wheeling Heritage Port, in Wheeling, WV. The tour took about 45 minutes, there are refreshments sold and souvenirs. It was like taking a trip back in time. We were advised that most everything is the same as it was during WWII, the quarters, bunks, etc. As much as possible has been left the same and you get the full experience. There is also a Higgins Boat on the top deck which transported soldiers to the beach. These boats are made of plywood and you can see the screws that hold them together. Below deck is a jeep from the Movie MASH. A truly pleasant way to spend the afternoon, learning some history, walking in the footsteps of sailors and conversing with...