Landing Ship, Tank

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A Landing Ship, Tank (LST) is a type of amphibious warfare ship class designed to support amphibious operations by carrying tanks, along with other military vehicles and cargo, and landing troops directly onto a low-slope beach with no docks or piers. LSTs were first developed during World War Il and modern LSTs of different classes are now being built and used by several militaries. The shallow draft and bow doors and ramps enabled amphibious assaults on almost any beach. In peacetime, LSTs can serve in secondary missions such as humanitarian aid, disaster relief, medical assistance and transportation. The LST had a highly specialized design that enabled ocean crossings as well as shore groundings. The bow had a large door that could open, deploy a ramp and unload vehicles. The LST had a flat keel that allowed the ship to be beached and stay upright. The twin propellers and rudders had protection from grounding. The LSTs served across the globe during World War II, including in the Pacific...

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