330-PS-2097 (USN 708310):   U.S. Navy Landing Ships Transferred to Italy Under MDAP.  During the transfer ceremonies of six U.S. Navy LSSLs (landing ship, support/large) to the Italian government under the Mutual Defense Assistance Program (MDAP) at Jacksonville, Florida, July 25, Signor Mario Luciolli, Charge D’Affaires, Italian Embassy, Washington, D.C., signs the custody certificate.  Captain Charles A. Dittman, (ChC), USN, (left), Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida, and Rear Admiral Glenn B. Davis, USN, (right), Commandant Sixth Naval District, look on.   Crews for the vessels, numbering 298 Italian officers and men, will take over the vessels.  They will remain in American waters for a brief period of training.  The LSSLs are Amphibious Vessels 158 feet in length, formerly designed LCIs (Landing Craft-Infantry), the support landing ships were originally designed to carry 200 or more infantry men from transports well offshore or from advance bases.  The LSSLs which displace 250 tons each, are normally manned by five officers and 65 men.  Photograph released August 9, 1951.  (6/2/2015).
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