This landing craft, an LSM, represents more than 150 landing craft, including LLC's, LSM's, LSMR's, and LST's, built by the Charleston Naval Shipyard between 1942 and 1945. At the peak of landing craft construction, from January through December 1944, the shipyard launched 128 newly constructed LSM's, an average of one every three days. During wartime, these LSM's, as part of the afloat amphibious forces known as the Gator Navy, delivered men and equipment ashore during numerous beach landings, often in the face of enemy fire.