The USS LST-325 comes to Alton

In World War II, an LST (or “Landing Ship, Tank”) transported tanks, soldiers, vehicles and supplies directly to enemy beaches.

One of those big ships, the LST-325, has been converted into a museum — and it remains operational! Each year, the ship leaves its home port in Evansville, Ind., for a cruise of other river cities. This weekend, the LST-325 is moored at Alton, so we paid a visit.

I’m thankful we got there early — the lines were enormous by the time we were finished. We’ve seen quite a few ships and naval museums over the years, but this one was pretty stellar.

On the tank deck

Sailors Joseph and Josie

The MASH Jeep

View of the entire tank deck

Josie with the 40mm Bofers anti-aircraft gun

The deckhouse

Looking across the main deck

I often read the term “davits” or “stern davits” in the Aubrey-Maturin novels, but like so many of those old Napoleonic-era naval terms, I didn’t really know what they were. Now I do.

On the main deck

On the main deck

Joseph stands on tiptoes with the 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun

Living quarters

Time to leave

Afterward, we drove up to Grafton to eat at the Fountain Hill restaurant, in the former Fin Inn building. We enjoyed the food and service. The fish tanks are still there, but with smaller fish — the menu and concept are also quite different from the Fin Inn of yore.