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by | Mar 16, 2018 | Hosta

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USS LST-480 was an LST-1-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy used in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II.

Construction

LST-480 was laid down on 31 August 1942, under Maritime Commission (MARCOM) contract, MC hull 1000, by Kaiser Shipyards, Yard No. 4, Richmond, California; launched on 29 October 1942; and commissioned on 3 May 1943.[1][3][2]

World War II Pacific Theatre operations

During World War II, LST-480 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations:

Sinking

Further information: West Loch Disaster
The rusting remains of LST-480.

On 21 May 1944, LST-480 and at least 28 to 33 other LSTs were gathered near Waipio peninsula, in Pearl Harbors West Loch, loading ammunition and supplies in preparation for the invasion of Saipan.[4][5]

At 15:08, an explosion onboard LST-353, which may have originated near LCT-963, caused a chain reaction that would eventually sink LST-480, LST-353, and four other LSTs. At least two other LSTs were severely damaged and 163 sailors were killed with another 396 wounded.[4][5]

While the other ships were removed and sunk at sea,[5] the wreck of LST-480 can still be seen in the West Loch.[6] 21°21′26″N 157°59′50″W / 21.35725°N 157.9972°W / 21.35725; -157.9972

Awards

LST-480 earned two battle stars for World War II service.[3]

Notes

Citations
  1. ^ a b c Kaiser No. 4 2014.
  2. ^ a b Navsource 2016.
  3. ^ a b DANFS.
  4. ^ a b CNIC.
  5. ^ a b c NPS 2001.
  6. ^ Boston Globe 2009.

Bibliography

Online resources

Further reading

External links


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