USS LSM(R)-197
Encyclopedia
LSM(R)-197 was a United States Navy
vessel laid down at Charleston Navy Yard, Charleston, South Carolina
. The ship was commissioned on 8 December 1944, Lt.John N. Cooper, USNR, in command.
In 1944 with the US Navy's mounting of a 5-inch/38 gun and rocket launchers on the LSM its mission to landing troop fire support out to 4,000 yards beyond the beach, they were to be used during the planned Invasion of Japan to be used for illumination, harassment and high trajectory fire to destroy reverse slope targets.
. After reaching the front lines after being commissioned in San Diego, she came into action during the invasion of the Kerma Retto islands and served on the Okinawa Radar Picket Line. The class was mentioned in a Life magazine on April 14, 1945.
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
vessel laid down at Charleston Navy Yard, Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is the second largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was made the county seat of Charleston County in 1901 when Charleston County was founded. The city's original name was Charles Towne in 1670, and it moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of the...
. The ship was commissioned on 8 December 1944, Lt.John N. Cooper, USNR, in command.
Design
The LSM(R)-197 was one of twelve amphibious ships that evolved during World War II as battle experience identified new weapon requirements for the invasion of the Japanese home islands. These came out of modifications and conversions of LTC's, LCM's and LSM's.In 1944 with the US Navy's mounting of a 5-inch/38 gun and rocket launchers on the LSM its mission to landing troop fire support out to 4,000 yards beyond the beach, they were to be used during the planned Invasion of Japan to be used for illumination, harassment and high trajectory fire to destroy reverse slope targets.
Service History
During World War II the ship was assigned to the Fifth Fleet under Admiral Raymond A. SpruanceRaymond A. Spruance
Raymond Ames Spruance was a United States Navy admiral in World War II.Spruance commanded US naval forces during two of the most significant naval battles in the Pacific theater, the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea...
. After reaching the front lines after being commissioned in San Diego, she came into action during the invasion of the Kerma Retto islands and served on the Okinawa Radar Picket Line. The class was mentioned in a Life magazine on April 14, 1945.