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
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| 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) |
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Major Elisha K. Henson (LT-5)
ex-John F. Nash (LT-5) |
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 Location in New York
Location in the United States
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| 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 from World War II. It was built in New York in 1943 for the U.S. Army. This strong, steel-hulled tugboat was first called Major Elisha K. Henson. Later, in 1946, it was renamed John F. Nash by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. After its service, it got its original name back. This tugboat is very important because it helped during the Normandy landings in World War II. Today, it is a museum ship where people can visit and learn about its history. It is also a National Historic Landmark.
Contents
A Tugboat's Role in World War II
The LT-5 tugboat played a key part in World War II. In February 1944, it sailed to Great Britain. This was in preparation for Operation Overlord. This operation was the big plan for the Allies to invade Europe.
Supporting the Normandy Landings
On June 6, 1944, the LT-5 headed for Normandy. It carried two barges as part of Operation Mulberry. This operation helped support the main invasion. The tugboat worked under fire, bringing supplies to the beaches. It did this for about a month. On June 9, it even shot down a German fighter plane!
Post-War Service and Renaming
After the war, the LT-5 returned to the United States. In May 1946, it joined the Buffalo District. This was a part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The tugboat was then renamed John F. Nash. This new name honored John F. Nash. He was a senior engineer for the Buffalo District from 1932 to 1941.
From 1946 to 1989, the John F. Nash worked in the Great Lakes region. It helped keep harbors in good shape. It also assisted with big building projects. One of these was the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s.
Major Elisha K. Henson Today
Today, the tugboat is once again named Major Elisha K. Henson. 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. The museum offers tours from mid-May through September.
In 1992, the LT-5 was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important historical site. Another similar tugboat, the Major Wilbur Fr. Browder (LT-4), is also a museum ship. It is now called the Tug Ludington and is in Kewaunee, Wisconsin. It also served in the U.S. Army on D-Day.
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
Images for kids
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LT-5 starboard-side view, 2009.
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LT-5 bow view
