USS LCS-102, World War II museum ship in Vallejo, United States.
USS LCS-102 is a landing craft support vessel measuring 158 feet long and equipped with a 3-inch gun, twin 40mm cannons, and rocket launchers for combat operations. This type of ship provided fire support for infantry landings and close-in defense during amphibious assaults.
Built in Portland in 1945, this ship saw action at Okinawa, one of the war's largest Pacific battles. After the war, it passed to the Japanese Navy and later to Thailand, serving under different names until eventually returning to United States waters.
The vessel represents how the United States Navy used smaller support ships during Pacific operations and what tasks these crews performed in combat zones. Walking through it, you notice the tight spaces where sailors worked and lived during their missions.
The ship is located at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard and opens to visitors on several days each week. Touring it involves climbing stairs and moving through tight corridors, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for outdoor conditions on the dock.
The ship is a rare surviving example of Pacific War technology, displaying how rapidly naval weapons evolved during combat operations. Its journey through three nations under different names tells a story of how conflicts reshaped military forces across continents.
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