LCU-1648 (U.S.S.)

George Schneider (Email to Nauticapedia 07/12/2021) stated "the LCUs are 50 years old and counting, and no replacements are being built. Originally LCUs were transported on the decks of LSTs and "side launched" at invasion zones, but the post-war LSDs eventually were big enough to carry them in their well decks. The LPD's can still carry them, but their other landing craft, the air-cushion LCAC, is considered sexier, even though it carries less and is more prone to damage. LCU 1648 was built in 1955 by Marinette Marine in Wisconsin. This vessel is not a commissioned warship, and is considered a "boat" in the Navy hierarchy. "