Over 4,000 visitors toured the LST 325 each day it was docked in Pittsburgh.

The USS LST 325 sailed for five days from its home in Evansville, Indiana to the Steel City.

The LST is a landing ship tank designed for use during WWII. It carried tanks and heavy machinery in its cargo area. This ship landed on the beach of Normandy on D-Day +1, one day after the initial invasion.

Today, the LST 325 serves as a floating museum.

A machinery room allowed sailors to fix broken equipment and keep busy during long voyages.

The exhibits aboard feature equipment commonly used on the vessel.

The LST in fully functional in every aspect, including its galley. Today, the 54 person crew of the ship includes three cooks.

Captain Bob Kubota demonstrates how to load an anti-aircraft gun with 20mm shells.

An anti-aircraft gun required to sailors to fire. Captain Bob sits where one would aim the weapon.

Naval vessels from WWII used signaling lights to communicate with each other. They were effective because they could not be seen unless looking directly at it.

Maritime flags on the stern of the ship.

The main deck of the USS LST 325.

LST’s had an upper and lower wheelhouse. The lower one, pictured here, was only used to navigate the ship in open seas due to the poor visibility.

Perry Ballinger uses Morse code to communicate with enthusiasts in the area.

This escape hatch was used for sailors working in the engine room to exit to the top deck. The job below was hot, treacherous, and filled with fumes.

Sneakers are recommended if you ever want to tour a naval ship. Steep, slippery steps and other obstacles such as hatches await you every so many feet.

In WWII the LST 325 housed 110 enlisted men. They slept on these hanging cots. Before falling asleep they would wrap their hands and feet in the rope so that they would not fall during the night as the ship tossed and turned on the open seas.