AUDIO: The LST-325 Lands In Aurora

A historic World War II era ship - the last of its kind - is on public display in Aurora September 11-16.

The front bow doors of the LST-325 open up onto the Aurora boat ramp on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Aurora, Ind.) - Much like it did on European beaches during World War II, the LST-325 landed on the Aurora, Indiana riverfront Wednesday, September 11.

Instead of troops and tanks storming off the ship ready for battle, this time the giant front bow doors opened to reveal friendly faces eager to show off a piece of American military history.

The World War II-era military vessel docked at the Aurora boat ramp near Lesko Park will be open for tours to the public and schoolchildren over the next five days. The historic ship’s visit is the latest event celebrating Aurora’s bicentennial.

Local veteran Nick Ullrich is part of the group which organized the ship’s visit.

“They built 1,051 of them for World War II. This is the last of its kind. It took part in D-Day at Normandy. It took part in the invasion of Sicily,” says Ullrich.

A view of the LST-325 from Aurora's Lesko Park. Photo by Mike Perleberg, Eagle Country 99.3.

The LST – or landing ship tank – was used to bring tanks, troops and supplies onto enemy shores or locations without docking facilities during World War II. It is 328 feet long, 50 feet wide, and weighs more than 4,000 tons.

Aurora resident Charlotte Hastings helped to bring the LST-325 to Aurora back in 2011. She explains that her son, Aurora Mayor Donnie Hastings, Jr., wished to see the ship return before he leaves the mayor’s office when he retires at the end of this year.

“We started about two years ago and kept calling and kept calling. Normally they don’t go to the same place twice. Finally, the captain called us one day and said ‘Alright, we’re going to give in.’ We had such an excellent turnout last time and he got reports on what we did, so they offered to come back and support us one more time,” explained Hastings.

LISTEN TO EAGLE COUNTRY 99.3'S INTERVIEW WITH ULLRICH AND HASTINGS.

On Thursday, school children will get the opportunity to tour the LST-325. Public tours begin Friday and continue through Monday.

Tours tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for ages six to 17. Children ages five and younger get in free.

More information about the LST-325 and its visit to Aurora can be found at www.lstvisitsaurora.com.