USS LST-480

LST-480 was an LST-1-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II.

LST-480 was laid down on 31 August 1942 at Richmond, California by Kaiser Cargo, Inc.; launched on 29 October 1942 ; and commissioned on 3 May 1943.

It was sunk on 21 May 1944 when a series of explosions which began on USS LST-353, sparked the West Loch Disaster in Pearl Harbor naval base. The rusting partially beached hulk of LST-480 is the only visible remainder of the disaster.

World War II Pacific Theatre operations
During World War II, LST-480 was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific theater and participated in the following operations:
 * Gilbert Islands operation: Capture and occupation of Gilbert Islands, 13 November to 8 December 1943.
 * Marshall Islands operation: Occupation of Kwajalein and Majuro Atolls, 29 January to 8 February 1944.

Accident
On 21 May 1944 she was sunk by internal explosion onboard USS LST-353, while moored in West Loch at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 18 July 1944.

Five other LSTs were so damaged from the fire caused by the explosion that they too sank, including USS LST-43, USS LST-69, USS LST-179, and USS LST-480. Two others were severely damaged. In all 163 sailors were killed; 396 wounded.

The wreck can still be seen in West Loch LST-480 earned two battle stars for World War II service.