It’s been 80 years since LST 393 went to war, in the spring of 1943. She’s come a long way since then. Now she’s ready to start her 19th year as USS LST 393 Veterans Museum.
The historic World War II warship – a “landing ship tank” moored at the Mart Dock on the Muskegon waterfront – is restored and operated by a group of dedicated volunteers. It offers tours to view renovated areas of the ship and museum exhibits; and hosts a variety of events and memorials.
The museum will open for tours Saturday, April 29, and will be open weekends only through May, plus Memorial Day. Then it will be open Tuesday-Sunday through Labor Day, and weekends until Oct. 1.
Planned for display alongside the ship this year is a restored Vietnam War-era river patrol boat, a “PBR.” Tours will be available from the bow of LST 393.
June kicks off with a D-Day commemoration Saturday, June 3. The event will be highlighted by World War II reenactors with authentic military garb and weaponry defending LST 393 in “Air Raid Muskegon” during a Warbird flyover.
Visitors will see many new exhibits and veteran tributes when the museum opens, including a newly expanded tribute to women in the military, a huge Army cargo truck of the type carried by LSTs and new additions to the “Muskegon Connection” display. Last year, more than 25,000 visitors toured the ship or attended the numerous ship events, making LST 393 one of the top attractions in Muskegon.
The Movies on Deck series starts in June and will show three popular films. Among the selections this summer are “Top Gun” and “The Blues Brothers.” The movies start after sunset on the ship’s top deck; there is no admission charge but donations are accepted.
Upgraded displays inside the ship tell the stories of the soldiers, sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen who served aboard LSTs; LST 393 is one of only two left in America out of 1,051 built. The ship’s bridge has been completely restored, as well as the galley, officers’ quarters, wardroom, sick bay and mess deck. A trip down to the engine room is a must for those who have an interest in awesome machinery.
Among the exhibits is the “Hall of Uniforms.” Three compartments of the ship have been revamped for a display of authentic uniforms donated by Muskegon veterans. They represent all branches of the armed forces and have come from veterans of five wars and seven decades of service.
Visitors can view than 150 military helmets and headgear from around the world. Also on display is a main battle tank engine on loan from L-3 Corporation of Muskegon.
The Vietnam Memorial Wall honors those from West Michigan who gave their all for their country in Southeast Asia. The wall contains a unique collection of Vietnam Conflict memorabilia as well as the photos of the more than 50 Muskegon County service personnel who died. Also honored are servicemen who died in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is also a newly expanded section to commemorate those who served in Korea.
Adults can take a self-guided tour of the ship for a $15 donation; students are $10. Admission is by credit or debit card only. Volunteers are always on hand to answer questions about the ship and the museum displays. A large gift shop offers a variety of ship mementos.
LST 393 was built in 1942 to help America defeat the Axis powers in World War II. She was at the Sicily and Italy landings and made 30 round trips to Omaha Beach and France during the invasion of Normandy, delivering weapons of war. Sold as surplus in 1946 to Sand Products Inc., owners of West Michigan Dock and Market in Muskegon, she was converted to a cross-lake freighter called Highway 16 and was a fixture on Lake Michigan for three decades. She was retired from service in the 1970s.
LST 393 is located at the Mart Dock adjacent to Heritage Landing county park on the downtown Muskegon waterfront. The ship opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.; the last tour starts each day at 4 p.m. Special guided tours are available and group events can be scheduled by calling 231-730-1477. More information is available at www.lst393.org.
Volunteers are needed for tour guides, gift shop cashier, planning services, maintenance and repair, artifacts control, and event assistant. Call 231-730-1477 or email info@lst393.org.
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