LST 1108

[aukepalmhof]

On 01 July 2006 the Marshall Islands issued a set of six stamps to commemorating the 60th Anniversary of “Operation Crossroad”
On 1 July 1946 the first of many nuclear tests took place at Bikini Atoll, Codenamed “Able”, this atomic test explosion was comparable to those at Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. The atomic testing on Bikini Atoll left a sombre legacy of human suffering and ecological damage.
Marshallese who were in the area at the time of the nuclear blast or who returned to their homes too soon, succumbed to radiation poisoning. Today, only a small part of the atoll is habitable, and experts estimate that it will be at least a century before the complete atoll will again be suitable for human habitation.

Around 161 people were living on the Bikini Atoll before the explosion, and when the atoll was chosen for testing the atomic bomb explosion, the people had to be removed to the neighbour island Rongerik.
The US Navy met and discussed with the Bikini’s native leaders the use of the atoll as a nuclear testing side.
They were told that their cooperation would help to maintain world peace. They were assured that the Bikinians could return when the atoll again was safe for habitation.
Chief Juda and his people reluctantly agreed to evacuate.

On 07 June 1946 the Bikinians boarded the US navy tank landing ship LST 1108, with all there belongings, including outriggers and material of the church and community hall. In total 161 people boarded the vessel and were brought to Rongerik one of many relocations for this people, before decades later a part of their homeland was declared safe.

The tank landing ship was built under hull No 165 by Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Co., Evansville, IN for the US Navy.
16 December 1944 laid down.
01 (2) February 1945 launched as USS LST 1108, sponsored by Mrs. Edward H. Barnard.
Displacement 1.625 ton standard, 3.640 ton full load. Dim. 328 x 50 x 14.1ft. (maximum draught).
Powered by 2 General Motors 12-cyl 567 diesel, 1.800 hp. two shafts, speed 11 knots. Two rudders.
Armament 8 – 40mm, 12 – 20mm guns.
Accommodation for about 130 officers and men. Crew 8-10 officers and 89-100 enlisted.
Could carry two LCVPs boats.
27 February 1945 commissioned, Lt. C.V. Lieb in command.

After World War II was she used for occupation duties in the Far East till early December 1945.
07 June 1946 she transported the Bikini’s population from their home island Bikini to Rongerik.
15 August 1946 decommissioned.
25 September 1946 struck from the Naval Register.
10 January 1948 sold to Pablo N. Ferrari & Co., named DOÑA IRMA, without any armament.
Sailed to Argentine under foreign flag and taken over in Argentina by the Argentinean Government.
Commissioned in the Argentinean Navy as ARA CABO SAN SEBASTIAN (BDT-11).
Used as a navy transport with a crew of 38.
1962 Decommissioned and disarmed at the naval base at Rio Santiago
31 March 1966 sold by the Argentine Navy, during a public auction for Arg$ 24 million.
Fate unknown. (maybe Mario knows her fate?)

Marshall Islands 2006 39c sg?, scott?

Source: http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/1611108.htm http://www.histarmar.com.ar/BuquesMerca ... astian.htm Some other web-sites.

[D. v. Nieuwenhuijzen]

Marshall Islands 1986, 22 c. StG.83