LSM(R)-194

(Spider Navy SN-2-03)

Class: LSM(R)-188 - 12 landing ship medium (rocket) of 1944
Displacement: 770 tons light / 1,194 tons full load
Dimensions: 196.5(wl) 203.5(oa) x 34.5 x 7.25 ft.
Machinery: 2-shaft Diesel motors, S.H.P. 2,800 = 12.5 knots
Armament: 1-5"/38, 2-40 mm AA, 3-20mm guns; 75 four-rail Mark 36 rocket launchers
Complement: 81

Notes: One of twelve LSM modified to fire rocket barrages and give general fire support to landings. Later followed by 48 more ordered as LSM(R) before construction.
Service: The first dozen LSM(R) bombarded Kerama Retto on 26 Mar 1945 and the main landing beaches at Okinawa on 1 Apr. Later, many were assigned to radar picket duty. LSM(R)-194 was hit by a kamikaze and sunk on 4 May 1945, with 13 killed and 18 wounded. LSM(R)-195 and LSM(R)-190 were also sunk on 3 May and 4 May, respectively. They all received a Navy Unit Commendation for their service on the picket line.