USS LCS(L)(3)-102 facts for kids
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USS LCS(L) 102 at Vallejo, California, 2007
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Quick facts for kids History |
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 United States |
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| Name | USS LCS(L)(3)-102 |
| Laid down | 13 January 1945 |
| Launched | 3 February 1945 |
| Commissioned | 17 February 1945 |
| Reclassified | Redesignated, USS LSSL-102 28 February 1949 |
| Fate | Transferred 30 April 1953 |
| Honors and awards |
one battle star |
 Japan |
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| Name | JDS Himawari |
| Acquired | 30 April 1953 |
| Out of service | 1966 |
| Fate | Transferred to Thailand on 18 April 1966 |
 Thailand |
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| Name | HTMS Nakha (LSSL-751) |
| Acquired | 1966 |
| Out of service | 2007 |
| Fate | Returned to the US, became a museum ship September 2007 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | LCS(L)(3)-1 Class Landing Craft Support ship |
| Displacement |
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| Length | 158 ft (48 m) |
| Beam | 23 ft 8 in (7.21 m) |
| Draft | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
| Speed | 16.5 knots (max); 12 knots (econ) |
| Range | 5,500 nautical miles at 12 knots |
| Complement | 8 officers, 70 enlisted |
| Armament |
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| Armor | 10-lb. STS splinter shields |
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| Location | Vallejo, California |
| NRHP reference No. | 15000716 |
| Added to NRHP | October 13, 2015 |
The USS LCS(L)(3)-102 was a special kind of ship called a Landing Craft Support vessel. It was built for the United States Navy during World War II. This ship was finished just as the war was ending. It even helped out in the big Battle of Okinawa.
After the war, the LCS(L)(3)-102 sailed to China. Later, it was taken out of service in 1946. In 1953, it was given to Japan and renamed JDS Himawari. The ship stayed in Japan until 1966. Then, it was transferred to Thailand and became the HTMS Nakha. Finally, in 2007, after many years of service, the ship came back to the United States. Now, it's a cool museum ship!
Today, the LCS(L)(3)-102 is the only ship of its kind left. You can find it docked at the old Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, California.
Building a Warship
The USS LCS(L)(3)-102 started being built on January 13, 1945. It was made at a place called Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon. The ship was launched into the water on February 3, 1945. It was officially ready for duty on February 17, 1945.
This ship was 158 feet (about 48 meters) long. It was 23 feet 6 inches (about 7.1 meters) wide. When fully loaded, it weighed 387 tons. The ship had a crew of 6 officers and 65 other sailors. It could travel 5,500 nautical miles (about 10,186 kilometers) without needing more fuel. Its normal speed was 12 knots (about 22 kilometers per hour). Four powerful diesel engines helped it move through the water.
Ship's Weapons
The ship had many weapons to protect itself. It had a large 3-inch (76 mm) gun at the front. There were also two twin 40mm anti-aircraft guns. These were used to shoot down enemy planes. Four single 20mm anti-aircraft guns were also on board.
For even more defense, it had four .50 caliber machine guns. It also carried ten rocket launchers. Special shields, 10 pounds (4.5 kg) thick, protected the gun areas, the pilot house, and the control tower. These shields were designed to stop small pieces of shrapnel.
The ten rocket launchers were taken off the ship later. This probably happened before it was given to Japan.
Ship's Adventures
After it was ready, the LCS(L)(3)-102 was sent to the Pacific Ocean. Its first commander was Lt. Richard L. Jones. World War II was almost over, but the ship arrived in time for the Battle of Okinawa. It helped in this battle from June 18 to June 30, 1945.
After the battle, the ship helped clear dangerous mines from the water. It did this in the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, and the Mariana Islands. It also cleared mines from rivers in China.
When the war ended, the USS LCS(L)(3)-102 stayed in Japan for a short time. Then it moved to China in December 1945. In April 1946, it was taken out of service. It was stored in Oregon. On February 28, 1949, its name was changed to USS "LSSL-102".
The ship was transferred to Japan on April 30, 1953. It was renamed JDS Himawari. It served in Japan until April 18, 1966. Then, it was given to Thailand and renamed HTMS Nakha (LSSL-751). It stayed in Thailand until 2007.
The USS LCS(L)(3)-102 earned one battle star for its brave service in World War II.
A Museum Ship Today
On May 22, 2007, the Royal Thai Navy officially gave the ship back to the National Association of LCS(L) 1-130. This group works to preserve these special ships.
In September 2007, the ship was put on a larger vessel. It traveled from Thailand back to the United States. Its new home was Mare Island, California. Here, it would become a museum ship. The National Association of LCS(L) 1-130 is now called the Landing Craft Support Museum. They continue to fix up and take care of the 102.
You can visit the ship on Mare Island. It's at the place where the old Mare Island Naval Shipyard used to be. The museum is open to visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can also arrange a visit at other times.
In 2015, the 102 was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.
