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| USN LST-1 Class Tank Landing Ship 1,780 Tons (Light) 3,3880 Tons (Full) 328' x 50' x 4" x 8' 3" 5 × 40mm Bofors AA guns 6 × 20mm guns 2 × .50 caliber MG 4 × .30 caliber MG  USN June 30, 1943 |
Ship History Built in the Navy shipyard at Charleston Navy Yard in Charleston, South Carolina. Laid down July 15, 1942 as LST-1 Class Tank Landing Ship. Launched October 12, 1942 as USS LST-353. Comissioned November 27, 1942 in the U.S. Navy (USN) under the command of LT. Luther E. Reynolds, Jr., USNR and sent to the South Pacific. Wartime History During June 1943 participates in the consolidation of the southern Solomon Islands. On June 30, 1943 part of the U.S. landing force that enters Rendova Harbor and lands U.S. forces on northern Rendova Island. The landing was the first combat use of the Landing Ship Tank (LST) in the Pacific War. During August 1943 participated in the U.S. landing at Vella Lavella. During November 1943 particpates in the U.S. landing at Empress Augusta Bay on western Bougainville. On March 4, 1944 part of a convoy that lands the 12th Detachment, 20th Army Airways Communcation System at Nissan Island (Green). Sinking History On May 21, 1944 moored in the West Lock of Pearl Harbor. At 3:00pm, LST-353 suddenly exploded due to an internal explosion showering other LSTs and ships with burning fragments, which set off further explosions. Five other LSTs were so damaged from the fire caused by the explosion that they too sank, including LST-43, LST-69, LST-179, and LST-480 plus two others severely damaged. The precise cause of the disaster is unknown, but likely rushed loading and storage of ammunition and an accidental detonation set off a chain reaction of explosions. In total, 163 sailors and soldiers died and 396 were wounded, including many African American dock workers. This incident became known as the "West Loch Disaster" and was kept secret until 1960. Awards LST-353 earned three battle stars for her World War II service. References NavSource USS LST-353 Contribute
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