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Landing Craft Support

The Landing Craft Support (LCS) was a class of small, heavily armed amphibious vessels developed by the during specifically to deliver close-range during beach assaults in the Pacific Theater. These ships, nicknamed "Mighty Midgets" for their compact size and potent firepower, were designed to precede , suppress enemy coastal defenses with guns and rockets, and protect troop-carrying vessels from small boat attacks or shore-based threats. Approximately 130 LCS vessels were built, divided into two primary classes: the LCS(L)(1) () and the more numerous LCS(L)(3) (), the latter based on the hull of the (LCI) for rapid production. Measuring about 158 feet in length with a of 23 feet and a shallow of around 5 feet 8 inches, ships displaced 250 tons light and 387 tons fully loaded, enabling them to operate close to shorelines. Powered by engines producing 1,600 horsepower, they achieved a maximum speed of 16.5 knots and an endurance of 5,500 miles at 12 knots, with a typical of 6 officers and 65 enlisted men. Their armament included a single for main battery fire, two twin 40 mm anti-aircraft mounts, four 20 mm Oerlikon guns, four .50-caliber machine guns, and ten rocket launchers capable of launching 4.5-inch s to saturate targets. LCS vessels entered combat in early 1945, with their debut at the , where they played a critical role in neutralizing Japanese pillboxes and artillery emplacements ahead of Marine landings. They supported major operations such as Okinawa and subsequent island-hopping campaigns, often operating in flotillas to provide coordinated fire support and anti-suicide boat screening. Of the 130 commissioned, five were lost to enemy action—three to Japanese suicide boats and two to aircraft—highlighting their frontline exposure. Post-war, surviving LCS ships were reclassified as Landing Ship Support Large (LSSL) in 1949 and continued service in conflicts including the and , with the last decommissioned in 2007. One preserved example, USS LCS(L)(3)-102, now serves as a dedicated to commemorating the class's contributions.

Development and Design

Origins and Requirements

The development of the Landing Craft Support (LCS) vessels stemmed from the doctrinal shortcomings observed in early amphibious operations, particularly the inadequacy of standard to provide sustained close against entrenched enemy positions. Initial efforts relied on conversions of (LCI) hulls into gunboats, designated LCI(G), which mounted limited armament such as 20mm and 40mm guns but lacked the firepower and endurance needed for prolonged defense during Pacific island assaults. These interim measures highlighted the need for a dedicated vessel capable of delivering heavier, coordinated gunfire to suppress enemy counterattacks after initial naval bombardments proved insufficient, as evidenced by the high casualties at in November 1943. By 1943, the U.S. Navy formalized requirements for a new class of support craft tailored to the demands of the Pacific Theater's island-hopping campaigns, where operations required vessels smaller and more maneuverable than destroyers yet far more heavily armed than conventional . These specifications emphasized close-range gunfire support to protect advancing troops, duties for early warning against air attacks, and anti-submarine screening to counter Japanese submarine threats in confined waters. The design was influenced by emerging challenges, including the potential for tactics and the need to intercept enemy inter-island traffic, ensuring the LCS could operate effectively in shallow coastal zones without exposing larger warships to undue risk. Development led to two main classes: the experimental LCS(L)(1) (Mark 1) with 8 vessels, and the production LCS(L)(3) () with 122 vessels. The resulting LCS(L)(3) class was initially classified to meet these needs, with planning commencing in 1942 and contracts awarded in 1943 for production starting in 1944. A total of 130 units were planned to bolster amphibious forces across operations from the onward, providing scalable that could integrate with rocket launchers and machine guns for suppressive barrages. This initiative marked a pivotal evolution in U.S. amphibious , bridging the gap between troop carriers and vessels to enhance the survivability of landings in contested environments.

Specifications and Propulsion

The Navy's LCS(L)(3) class landing craft support vessels measured 158 feet 6 inches in overall with a of 23 feet 8 inches, providing a compact yet stable platform for near-shore operations. These dimensions contributed to a standard of 250 tons and a full load of 387 tons, balancing maneuverability with the capacity to carry armament and supplies for extended missions. The featured a shallow draft of about 6 feet when loaded, enabling effective beaching and navigation in littoral waters without excessive vulnerability to grounding. Constructed with all-welded for enhanced durability against small-arms fire and rough sea conditions common in amphibious assaults, the hull design prioritized resilience in shallow, contested environments. This , combined with a limiting draft of 5 feet 8 inches, allowed the vessels to approach beaches closely while supporting equipment for picket duties, where early detection of air threats was critical. Propulsion was provided by two 6-051 series 71 diesel engines delivering 1,600 brake horsepower, driving twin variable-pitch screws for reliable power in variable conditions. This setup enabled a maximum speed of 16.5 knots and a cruising range of 5,500 nautical miles at 12 knots, sufficient for escorting across extended operational areas without frequent refueling. Auxiliary power came from two 60-kilowatt diesel-driven generators, supporting onboard systems including and communications. Each vessel accommodated a of 71 personnel, comprising 6 officers and 65 enlisted sailors, including specialized gunners and engineers to manage the demanding support role. Once production tooling was established in , individual ships could be completed in approximately 10 days from to launch, reflecting efficient wartime assembly techniques adapted from manufacturing.

Armament and Equipment

The primary armament of the Navy's Landing Craft Support (Large), or LCS(L), featured a single 3-inch/50 caliber gun mounted forward to provide support during amphibious assaults. This was complemented by two twin 40 mm anti-aircraft guns positioned amidships for defense against low-flying aircraft and surface targets. Additionally, four single 20 mm Oerlikon cannons were installed at strategic points around the deck to enhance close-range anti-aircraft protection, along with four .50-caliber machine guns. Secondary armament systems included ten Mk 7 rocket launchers, typically arranged in two banks forward of the , each launcher capable of firing twelve 4.5-inch rockets for intense shore bombardment to suppress enemy positions ahead of troop landings. Although not standard for primary anti-submarine roles, some LCS(L) vessels carried racks as auxiliary equipment to contribute to protection or opportunistic engagements. Auxiliary equipment supported the LCS(L)'s multifaceted roles in and . Radar systems, mounted on the mast, enabled precise fire control and duties to detect incoming threats. Smoke generators allowed the vessels to lay obscuring screens for approaching , while two dedicated fire pumps in the facilitated post-landing assistance to damaged troops or adjacent ships. Variations in armament occurred across the production run to adapt to evolving theater requirements. The first 30 units retained the 3-inch gun, but subsequent batches of 63 vessels substituted it with a single 40 mm mount, and the final 35 featured twin 40 mm mounts forward for enhanced anti-aircraft capability. Some LCS(L)s received additional 40 mm gun mounts or tested experimental configurations to improve effectiveness in specific Pacific operations.

United States Navy LCS(L)

Construction Program

The 's construction program for the Landing Craft Support (Large), or LCS(L), vessels was a key component of its amphibious warfare expansion, resulting in the production of 130 ships to provide close-in during landings. These vessels, designated with hull numbers LCS(L)(3)-1 through LCS(L)(3)-130, were built exclusively by three shipyards under contracts awarded in as part of a broader surge in production. The program emphasized speed and scalability, filling a critical gap between smaller and larger escort vessels in Pacific Theater operations. Construction was distributed among specialized yards to maximize output: George Lawley and Sons in Neponset, Massachusetts, built 47 ships; Commercial Iron Works in Portland, Oregon, constructed 52; and Albina Engine and Machine Works, also in Portland, produced 31. The design, adapted from the Landing Craft Infantry (Large) hull for efficiency, allowed for rapid assembly, with the first keel laid on April 28, 1944, at George Lawley and Sons. Subsequent keels followed quickly, enabling launches from May 1944 onward; the initial vessel, LCS(L)(3)-1, was launched on May 15, 1944, and commissioned later that year. The program peaked in late 1944, with modular prefabrication techniques supporting a construction pace that saw most ships completed within months of keel-laying, culminating in the final launch on March 10, 1945, at Commercial Iron Works. All 130 vessels were commissioned between 1944 and early 1945, reflecting the wartime urgency to bolster naval gunfire support capabilities. Post-war, the surviving LCS(L) fleet was reclassified as Landing Ship, Support (Large), or LSSL, in 1949 to align with updated naval for small support ships. This redesignation facilitated transfers to allied , but the original construction effort underscored the U.S. shipbuilding industry's ability to deliver specialized vessels at scale during the conflict.

Operational Roles

The United States Navy's Landing Craft Support (Large), or LCS(L), served primarily as a close vessel during amphibious assaults in , accompanying to suppress enemy beach defenses and provide covering fire for troops advancing ashore. Equipped with a mix of guns and rocket launchers, these vessels delivered intense barrages from positions as close as 400 yards offshore, targeting fortifications, pillboxes, and troop concentrations to facilitate the initial waves of landings. This role evolved from experimental conversions of Infantry Landing Craft (LCI) hulls into armed support platforms, adapting tactics for shallow-water operations in the Pacific theater. In addition to their core combat function, LCS(L) vessels performed a range of secondary duties essential to amphibious operations, including patrols for early air warning, laying smoke screens to conceal advancing forces and anchorages, and conducting anti-small craft patrols against enemy suicide boats and swimmers. They also contributed to anti-aircraft screening around invasion beaches, assistance for damaged ships, and occasional clearance efforts, enhancing the overall resilience of task forces during assaults. These multifaceted tasks underscored the LCS(L)'s versatility as a "mighty midget" in , operating in coordination with larger warships to protect vulnerable landing zones. Prior to deployment, LCS(L) crews underwent rigorous pre-commissioning training and shakedown exercises in U.S. coastal waters, drawing on operational concepts to build proficiency in gunnery, , and damage control. Training typically occurred at amphibious bases such as Little Creek, Virginia; Dam Neck, Virginia; ; and the U.S. Naval Amphibious Training Base in , where personnel practiced mock invasions and coordinated maneuvers with other LCS(L) units. Shakedowns often involved simulated assaults off islands like San Clemente and San Nicolas in , refining tactics before transit to forward areas like for further rehearsals. Logistically, the LCS(L) was designed for sustained near-shore operations, carrying sufficient ammunition and up to 25,000 gallons of fuel to achieve a range of approximately 5,500 miles at economical speeds, enabling extended without frequent resupply. With a of 71 (six officers and 65 enlisted), these vessels could reload rockets and guns at or from tenders, maintaining during prolonged engagements close to hostile shorelines.

World War II Engagements

In February 1945, 12 LCS(L)s participated in the operation, delivering pre-H-Hour bombardment starting at 0645 on D-Day (19 February) to neutralize coast-defense guns and antiaircraft positions. They fired rockets and 40mm shells on beach obstacles and fortifications, then shifted to flank support for assault waves, including against enemy artillery on northern high ground during the night of 20-21 February. Two LCS(L)s specifically supported the 5th Marine Division's advance along the west coast from 28 February to 7 March, targeting caves and ravines while coordinating call-fire missions with larger naval guns on 6 March. During the Okinawa campaign from April to June 1945, LCS(L)s shifted from beach support to duties, screening against attacks at stations up to 90 miles from the island. For instance, on 4 May at Picket Station 12, LCS-118 downed a Japanese "Betty" bomber and rescued 114 survivors from the sinking destroyer USS Luce amid a raid by 21 , using its 40mm and 20mm guns to contribute to air defense. Overall, 88 LCS(L)s on picket duty downed or assisted in downing numerous , with the class credited for destroying 148 enemy planes and 36 suicide boats while rescuing 2,635 sailors. They also supported the Gunto operations (assault and occupation of the group) from late March to 30 June, including patrols like that of LCS-102 at Station 18 in June. In the Borneo Campaign of 1945, LCS(L)s delivered shore bombardment for Australian-led landings, including Operations Oboe One at (1 May), Oboe Six at Brunei Bay (10 June), and Oboe Two at (1 July). As part of the Seventh Amphibious Force, they provided suppressive fire alongside naval gunfire and air strikes, aiding the 26th, 9th, and 7th Australian Infantry Divisions in securing beachheads despite challenges like extreme tides and mines. Across all World War II engagements, 21 LCS(L)s were damaged in combat, reflecting their high-risk roles in amphibious assaults and anti-kamikaze screens.

Losses and Awards

During World War II, five U.S. Navy LCS(L) vessels were sunk in combat. On 16 February 1945, LCS(L)(3)-7, LCS(L)(3)-26, and LCS(L)(3)-49 were sunk by shin'yō suicide motorboats during a night attack at the entrance to Harbor, off in the , while screening an invasion flotilla. On 12 April 1945, LCS(L)(3)-33 was sunk by a aircraft strike amidships on Station 1 off Okinawa, leading to her abandonment and eventual explosion. Similarly, LCS(L)(3)-15 was sunk by a attack off Okinawa on 22 April 1945. In addition to these sinkings, 21 LCS(L) ships were hit and damaged, mainly by enemy aircraft and small craft during operations in the Pacific. A notable example is LCS(L)(3)-122, which survived multiple strikes off Okinawa in June 1945, including one on 11 June that hit the base of her , causing fires and severe structural damage but allowing her to remain afloat through damage control efforts. The class earned significant recognition for its service. Three vessels—LCS(L)(3)-31, LCS(L)(3)-51, and LCS(L)(3)-57—received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy. Six others were awarded the , including LCS(L)(3)-122 for its role in rescuing survivors from the sinking destroyer USS William D. Porter on 10 June 1945 off Okinawa. Additionally, Richard M. McCool Jr., commanding officer of LCS(L)(3)-122, was awarded the for his leadership during the 11 June kamikaze attack, where he personally led firefighting and rescue efforts despite serious wounds, saving his crew and ship. Across the LCS(L) class, combat resulted in over 100 personnel killed or wounded, with total figures reaching 163 killed and 267 wounded from February to August 1945. The Harbor attack alone accounted for 76 killed and 71 wounded among the crews of the sunk and damaged ships involved.

Allied LCS Vessels

British Fairmile Type H LCS(L)(2)

The Fairmile Type H LCS(L)(2) class consisted of ten wooden-hulled landing craft support vessels, constructed between 1943 and 1944 primarily by yards such as Shipyard and others specializing in prefabricated designs. These craft were adapted from the Fairmile Type H hull, originally conceived for commando raiding operations requiring speed and versatility in shallow waters, but repurposed for roles in amphibious assaults. Measuring 105 feet (32 meters) in length with a of 21 feet 5 inches (6.53 meters) and a of 116 tons when fully loaded, they were powered by two Hall-Scott petrol engines delivering 1,120 horsepower for a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of approximately 330 nautical miles at cruising speed. This smaller scale and wooden construction distinguished them from the steel-hulled, larger U.S. LCS(L) vessels, allowing for quicker but limiting endurance in open seas. Armament emphasized close-range suppression and anti-aircraft defense, featuring a single 6-pounder (57 mm) QF Mk I gun in a forward for engaging beach fortifications and light armor, two single 20 mm Oerlikon cannons mounted aft, a twin 0.50-inch (12.7 mm) , two 0.303-inch machine guns, and a 4.2-inch (107 mm) spigot for smoke screening during landings. Depth charges were also fitted for potential anti-submarine duties, though the primary focus remained on shore bombardment rather than torpedo attacks, despite the hull's origins in faster coastal strike designs. Compared to the heavier U.S. LCS(L) with multiple 40 mm guns, the British variant's lighter loadout was tailored for the confined waters and shorter-range operations of the Mediterranean and European theaters. In service, these vessels provided essential fire support during the on June 6, 1944, where they suppressed German defenses along the British and Canadian sectors, enabling assault waves to establish beachheads. Subsequent operations extended to the Adriatic and Aegean Seas, aiding Allied advances against Axis forces in the and islands, including escorting convoys and bombarding coastal positions. Three units—LCS(L) 252, 256, and 258—were sunk on November 1, 1944, during , the amphibious assault on Island in the Estuary; they fell victim to intense German coastal artillery fire while closing the shore to support . The remaining vessels continued in coastal support roles until the war's end, demonstrating the class's effectiveness in European narrow-water operations despite their vulnerabilities.

Transfers to Other Navies

Following , the decommissioned most of its Landing Craft Support (Large) vessels, with the surviving ships—approximately 125 out of 130 built—being reclassified as Landing Ship Support, Large (LSSL) on February 28, 1949, to facilitate their continued use or transfer. By the early , the U.S. had struck the majority from its inventory, leading to the redistribution of around 50 vessels to allied nations under military assistance programs, with many undergoing multiple transfers over time. The largest transfer occurred to , where 47 LSSLs were loaned to the (JMSDF) starting in 1953 for coastal defense and support roles. These ships, such as ex- LSSL-102 (former USS LCS(L)-102) renamed JDS Himawari, participated in minesweeping operations during the and provided logistical support in the region until the 1960s; Himawari was later transferred to in 1966 as HTMS Nakha (751), serving in coastal patrol and training until 2007. received 11 LSSLs on loan starting in 1950, including ex- LSSL-2 as RFS Arbalète (L9021) and ex- LSSL-35 as RFS Étendard, which were employed for training and patrol duties in colonial waters. Additional transfers included vessels to , the , , , , , and . For instance, ex-USS LCS(L)-88 was transferred to the in 1975 for utility roles. Abroad, these repurposed ships primarily supported patrols, crew training, and coastal defense, with many continuing in service through the before being decommissioned and scrapped.

Post-War Service and Preservation

Korean War and Later Deployments

During the (1950–1953), several U.S. Navy Landing Ship Support, Large (LSSL) vessels, redesignated from LCS(L) in 1949, were reactivated from reserve status to provide close , blockade enforcement, and evacuation assistance along the Korean coast. For instance, USS LSSL-108 encountered enemy shore battery fire east of Cho-do on August 30, 1952, but sustained no damage after counter-battery support from HMS Newcastle silenced the threat. Allied forces, including the (ROKN), also employed transferred LSSLs in similar roles; ROKN LSSL-107 participated in guerrilla infiltration operations near Chinnampo on July 6, 1952, alongside HMS Mounts Bay and USS Kimberly. These ships supported amphibious and coastal patrols, with examples like ROKN LSSL-107 evading heavy shore fire near Cho-do on April 10, 1953, without casualties. Transfers to under the Charter Party Agreement during the conflict, including nine LSSLs on April 30, 1953, aided regional for U.N. forces. In the Cold War era, transferred LSSLs saw extensive use by allied navies in regional conflicts. French Navy units, loaned several LCS(L)/LSSL vessels post-WWII, employed them in the (1946–1954). Transferred LSSLs continued service with allied navies during the , providing coastal and . Thai naval forces operated at least one example, such as ex-LCS(L)-102 renamed Nakha, in coastal defense and anti-insurgency operations through the 1950s and 1960s. The incorporated transferred LSSLs for coastal defense and missions, enhancing archipelago security amid Cold War tensions. By the late , most LSSLs faced due to advancing naval , leading to widespread decommissioning through the 1970s; for example, many U.S. hulls were struck from the and sold for scrap or civilian use by the mid-1960s. Final operational roles included anti-submarine patrols and utility support in allied fleets, with some vessels adapted as command ships or converted for non-combat duties like or .

Surviving and Museum Examples

The sole intact surviving example of a Landing Craft Support (Large) Mark 3 vessel is the ex-USS LCS(L)(3)-102, which served in the during , including radar picket duty at Station 18 during the . Decommissioned in April 1946 and redesignated USS LSSL-102 in 1949, she was loaned to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force in 1953 as JDS before being transferred to the Royal Thai Navy in 1966, where she operated as HTMS Nakha (LSSL-751) until 2007. Repatriated to the that year through the efforts of the National Association of USS LCS(L) 1-130, she arrived at in , to serve as the centerpiece of the Landing Craft Support Museum. As of November 2025, the LCS(L)(3)-102 remains moored at the museum but is temporarily closed to visitors while awaiting drydocking for essential repairs to ensure watertight integrity, with no reopening date announced. The vessel's preservation highlights its historical role in , providing educational insights into close fire support for beach landings and operations during . The National Association of USS LCS(L) 1-130, founded in 1987 to locate veterans, preserve memorabilia, and locate a ship for public display, played a pivotal role in her and ongoing maintenance, though the organization shifted support to the museum by the . Beyond the LCS(L)(3)-102, only one other LCS(L) vessel is known to survive: the ex-USS LCS(L)(3)-50, which has been heavily modified and repurposed as a fishing boat in the . No additional intact ships exist, and there have been no new preservation initiatives for other examples since the , with efforts concentrated on the maintenance and restoration of LCS(L)(3)-102 by a dedicated group of veterans.

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    Interested in helping us preserve the USS LCS(L)-102? Drop by the ship during opening hours, or contact Executive Officer Gordon Stutrud for more information.Missing: Association | Show results with:Association