Nash (tugboat) facts for kids
World War II US Army Large Tug Major Elisha K. Henson (LT-5) at H. Lee White Marine Museum, Oswego, New York
|
|
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
 United States |
|
| Name | Major Elisha K. Henson |
| Builder | Jakobson Shipyard, Oyster Bay New York |
| Identification | LT-5 |
| Fate | Museum ship |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Tugboat |
| Displacement | 306 long tons (311 t) |
| Length | 114.1 ft (34.8 m) |
| Beam | 25 ft (7.6 m) |
| Draft | 14 ft (4.3 m) |
| Propulsion | Enterprise 8-cylinder diesel engine |
| Speed | 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph) |
|
Major Elisha K. Henson (LT-5)
ex-John F. Nash (LT-5) |
|
 Location in New York
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Oswego, New York |
| Built | 1943 Jakobson Shipyard, Oyster Bay NY |
| Architect | Cox & Stevens |
| NRHP reference No. | 91002059 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | 4 December 1991 |
| Designated NHL | 4 December 1992 |
The Major Elisha K. Henson (LT-5) is a special tugboat that played a big part in World War II. It was built in November 1943 in New York. This tugboat was first called Major Elisha K. Henson.
Later, in 1946, the United States Army Corps of Engineers renamed it John F. Nash. After its military service, it got its original name back. This tugboat is important because it is one of the last U.S. Army ships that helped during the Normandy landings in World War II. Today, you can visit it as a museum ship.
Contents
A Tugboat's Role in World War II
The LT-5 tugboat traveled to Great Britain in February 1944. This was to get ready for Operation Overlord. This was the big plan for the Allies to invade Europe.
On June 6, 1944, the LT-5 sailed to Normandy. It carried two barges as part of Operation Mulberry. This operation helped support the D-Day landings. The tugboat brought supplies to the beaches for a whole month. It even shot down a German fighter plane on June 9.
After the War: Serving the Great Lakes
After World War II, the LT-5 returned to the United States. In May 1946, it joined the Buffalo District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It was then renamed John F. Nash. This new name honored John F. Nash, a senior engineer.
From 1946 to 1989, the John F. Nash worked in the Great Lakes region. It helped keep harbors working well. It also assisted with big building projects. One of these projects was the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s.
Life as a Museum Ship Today
The tugboat is now called Major Elisha K. Henson again. It has been mostly restored to how it looked originally. You can see it at the H. Lee White Marine Museum in Oswego, New York.
Tours of the tugboat are available. You can visit from mid-May through the end of September. In 1992, the LT-5 was recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical site.
Sister Ship: The Tug Ludington
The Major Elisha K. Henson has a sister ship. This ship is the Major Wilbur Fr. Browder (LT-4). It is now called the Tug Ludington. It is also a museum ship.
The Tug Ludington is located in Kewaunee, Wisconsin. It also served the U.S. Army on D-Day. Its history is very similar to the Major Elisha K. Henson.
Images for kids
-
LT-5 starboard-side view, 2009.
-
LT-5 bow view
Awards and Recognition
The Major Elisha K. Henson received several awards for its service. These awards show its important role in World War II.
- American Campaign Medal
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one campaign star
- World War II Victory Medal
- National Defense Service Medal with star
