The USS LST 393 Veterans Museum is open weekends through May and on Memorial Day, then is open Tuesdays-Sundays through Labor Day and weekends until October 1.
The USS LST 393 Veterans Museum is marking its 20th year. And since the warship is a veteran of the D-Day invasion in 1944, the 80th anniversary of that battle holds special significance. The World War II warship – a “landing ship tank” – is restored and operated by volunteers.
The museum is open weekends through May, plus Memorial Day. Then it will be open Tuesday-Sunday through Labor Day, and weekends until Oct. 1.
June kicks off with a D-Day commemoration Saturday, June 1. 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. A “swing dance” precedes the event Friday night.
Visitors will see new exhibits and veteran tributes, including an 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.
Planned for display alongside the ship is a restored Vietnam War-era river patrol boat, a “PBR.”
Upgraded displays tell the stories of 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 have been revamped for a display of authentic uniforms representing all branches of the armed forces, from veterans of five wars and seven decades of service.
Visitors can view a collection of more 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 contains a collection of memorabilia as well as photos of the more than 50 Muskegon County service personnel who died. Also honored are those who died in Iraq and Afghanistan; and a section to commemorate those who served in Korea.
Adults can take a self-guided tour for a $17.50 donation; students are $12.50. Credit or debit card only.
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.; last tours at 4 p.m.
More information is available at www.lst393.org.
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