(2000 Archives)
LST-393 NEWS

To View Pictures of the   LST 393

Jim, USS LST 278, USS Cabezon SS-334 and USS Catfish SS-339

August 28, 2000   Mannie Gentile

On Friday the 22nd I worked my 4th full day gig onboard the 393.  As a member of Tin Can Sailors (and a frequent participant in "working field days" aboard our historic destroyers) I'm really encouraged by the amount and quality of work that has been done in a relatively short time with a very small restoration crew.

Fifty-five years of sailing in fresh water environment have been very kind to this vessel.  It is in very good material condition.

Silversides director Bob Morin and Maintenance Supervisor Patrick Harker are doing a first-rate job of acquiring support and resources from a variety of agencies individuals.  A twin 40 mm mount arrived two weeks ago and another is on the way, courtesy of the good ol' USN.

Everytime that I've been working on the 393 Gator Navy vets drop by to take a look around...They leave happy and excited about the project.

I'm happy for you "gators that you've got two projects underway.   With two preserved LST's available to the public many, many more people will learn (or be reminded) of the crucial role played by these vessels in WW II.

Good luck to us all...now turn to!

Mannie G. 

Keep your eyes on this project shipmates, it will do you proud.

August 20, 2000   

                        Update on the LST 393 in Muskegon Mich.      Courtesy of Jim Wilkins   LST-278
The restoration of the "393" is quietly taking shape.  (Remember the 393 is in Muskegon, Michigan and the "325" is in Greece.)  There have been numerous visitors , including President Mike Gunjak and the always helpful Linda.   I'm anxiously awaiting his nest "View from the Bridge" in the Scuttlebutt to read his comments on the Muskegon endeavor.

There is no 100 + degree weather to hinder the group of trustees who are working on painting the hull. Just beautiful soft winds off the lake.  This is a very environmental intensive job and requires a great deal of care to ensure that the bay waters are not contaminated.  Ingersole Rand has provided two compressors for this work.

Also a former officer of an LST brought his whole family aboard and they refurbished the cabin that he occupied during his tour duty aboard an LST.

A twin 40 arrived and will be refurbished by a local gun dealer(at no Cost) with the help of some local Gunner Mates.  Another twin 40 is awaiting to be delivered by a returning trucker with no load.  Less then three months of work and the ship is staring to look great.  Those who have seen the restored Silversides & Mc Lain know what the future holds for the "393"   Thanks Jim for your report.

Anyone at anytime visiting Muskegon can go aboard the by pre-arrangements only.   Contact the USS Silversides at 213-755-1230 and ask if the date and time of your arrival is ok.  Driving to the National reunion in Buffalo from the west of southwest would be just a short side trip for you. Aug 19, 2000 This weekend will be the first in many of years that white hats walked the decks of the "393"  A full compliment of Naval Reservists will man the ship and there will be much for them to do.   From the bridges to the engine rooms willing and capable hands will be at work   Courtesy of Jim Wilkins. 

Mannie Gentile sent me a e-mail with a few pictures I wish I could print on the web page but this is what was said.  Spent some more volunteer hours on the LST-393   again this afternoon.  Perfect weather for chipping--74 degrees with a wonderful breeze coming off of Lake Michigan.  393 continues to progress.  He sent pictures of the starboard side of the ship with about 1/4 of the side of the ship painted grey.  A picture of the port shaft alley that looks brand new.  and a old navy sailor opening another can of grey paint.  The deck looks clean and the safety rails around the deck are brand new. 

After searching my records Mr. Gentile is not a member of National but that doesn't matter.  We are grateful to him for volunteering his time.   Thanks Mannie

Please ignore the big box I touched something and it appeared.  Hope to get rid of it tomorrow.  The LST-325 information is below the box please just arrow down. We will try to continue getting information on both ships. 

I received a e-mail from Amb. Burns  He tells me he spoke with Cdr. Melcher who gave him a precise sense of what is needed.  He asked one of their navy personnel from Souda Bay in Crete to visit the vets yesterday.  Colonel Corrie will be there in a few days.  He wants to start with at least some bedding, boric acid to kill the cockroaches, and a refrigerator.  He will ask the Greeks to help.  It sounds as if something is happening.  With the USS Saipan going into Crete maybe if we ask enough times they might get some help like the "white hats" that are helping on the LST-393 in Muskegon. 

UPDATE ON LST 393 FROM ROBERT MORIN, CHAIRMAN

After a rather cold winter I am happy to report progress on restoring the LST-393 is getting into full speed.  We have completed the restoration of shaft alleys main engine room and generator room.  The escape trunks leading to these areas are also like new.  As of today we are well on our way to painting the tank deck and rebuilding new stairs.  As weather permits we will be finishing the deck rails and start back on exterior of the ship. The fire suppression system is now complete with the testing and recharging of the Carbon Dioxide cylinders and several new hoses.  All fire extinguishers have been recharged and certified.  Our electrician has been working on getting the bilge pump running.  We are applying for a United States Coast Guard attraction vessel status.  The only difference between this and full certification is dry-docking inspections.  We hope to be able to comply by the end of this month and have asked for an inspection at this time.  We have hired Naval Reservists on there off time to restore staterooms in officer’s country.  One of these rooms is now complete and three more are in the progress of being restored.  The wardroom looks like a disaster area.  The wardroom will be restored by Memorial Day.

We plan on moving the LST about 100 yards from its present location, to make it more assessable to the public.  This will be done as soon as Grand Valley State University vacates its docking space in this area.  They have their research vessel stored there for the winter, but should be moving it soon.

Our main restoration labor consists of up to six trustees a day from the county jail.  Also, we have Naval Reservists one weekend a month and two full time employees from our museum.  We are hoping to have volunteers now that the weather is better.  We sure could use all the help we can get.

We are looking forward to a great Memorial Day Service May 28, 2001 at 10:00am.  At the Mart Dock Property on Shoreline Dr. Downtown Muskegon, Michigan.  Mike Gunjak, President of the United States LST Association has accepted our invitation to be M.C. of this event.  We are hoping to have Robert Jornlin and Mr. John Neidermair as featured speakers and of course the public will be invited.  Hope to see you there.

Bob Morin

Chairman of the Board

August 5, 2000

We would like to pass on information from LST-393 in Muskegon, Mi.  We have been accused of not supporting both projects and I want to inform those that are doing that,  it is a bunch of hooey.  We feel that both projects are wonderful projects.  The LST-393 project is like the new kid on the block and just getting their ducks in a row.  They are making headway faster then they thought they would.  We hear from Mr. Bob Morin at least once a week.  He is surprised at the progress that has been made this summer.   One of the important things they wanted this year is to get the ship super-structure and the ship painted and the heat put inside the ship so that they can continue to work inside all winter.  Some people thought the old girl was not going to be sea worthy but a marine survey was done and it passed with flying colors.  We will be adding a picture of the LST-393 to web page in a short time.  We were told that people are constantly showing up at the pier or calling USS. Silversides Museum wanting to go on board.  Most of the time they can be accommodated.  If anyone wants to call the USS Silversides Museum here is the number  231-755-1230.  We will continue to publish news on both ships so please get off the subject of catering to one and not the other.  Anyone that has a comment please contact me at

uslstlinda@kmbs.com.  I am the one that  updates the web page.  I will be very happy to talk about the subject with you.  Please have the courtesy to sign your name and address.  Some people do not.

Let's support both of the ships and quit being so petty. Now let's get on with the program.  It is sure great that we at least have( 1)  here in the states, now maybe we will have( 2).   When information is given to me it is just as it was told or written to me.  Thanks    Linda

UPDATE ON THE LST-393 June 19, 2000 The front page of the LST Scuttlebutt is dedicated to the LST-393.   We are pleased to announce that the ship is in great shape and is becoming a floating memorial in the USS Silversides Museum.  The dedication was attended by at least 650 people.  We saw many LST caps and jackets in pictures that were sent to us.   Mr. Robert Morin, Dir of the USS Silversides Museum  was very helpful in providing the story that will be on the front page.  Keep up the good work.  I'm sure it will be beautiful when it is refurbished.  If you need directions to see the ship please contact the USS Silversides Museum in Muskegon, Mich.  The address and phone number is in the article below.  Good luck and smooth sailing. Mike Gunjak, President  United States LST Association

INFORMATION ON THE LST-393 WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT  A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN MUSKEGON ON MAY 28, 2000 TO DEDICATE THE PROJECT.  A STORY WITH INFORMATION WILL BE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE PAPER.  IT SOUNDS AS IF THEY ARE PROCEEDING FULL STEAM AHEAD.    THAT IS A GREAT UNDERTAKING.  IF ANY OF YOU WANT TO HELP PLEASE CONTACT THEM AT THE ADDRESS BELOW.  IT IS IN THE NEXT ARTICLE BELOW.   FURTHER INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE      THANKS