On Friday, we posted a photo of the very large ship that is docked in the river next to Heinz field. This is the USS LST ship – it served in World War II. The USS LST is usually docked in Evansville but it has been out making a tour this summer. The USS LST is in Pittsburgh September 1-7th.
More details about the USS LST and it’s visit to Pittsburgh are available here
Here is an article from the Post-Gazette about the USS LST – “World War II landing craft due on North Shore for 6-day appearance” – which includes an interview with a Pittsburgh resident who served on this ship.
Do I really want to tour a World War II boat? Well I asked that same question last summer – I was visiting an old Pittsburgh friend who lives in Honolulu – after we visited the Arizona Memorial – (which is free to visit and fascinating) – one of my fellow travelers suggested we visit the Might Mo – the USS Missouri. The USS Missouri was where Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces on September 2, 1945.
(The photo below is from the deck of the USS Missouri looking out at the Arizona Memorial.)
One of the interesting things about Honolulu is that it is probably as far away from the East Coast and New England as you can get and still be on US soil – and it is probably one of the only places in the US where so much recent US history took place.
I must say I was skeptical of touring the USS Missouri – but this turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. It was really interesting to see how people live and work on these floating cities. If you have a chance – head on down to the north shore to check out the USS LST.