 Sometimes referred to as LST Hospitals, these surgically augmented LSTs carried troops into battle and upon unloading set up the well deck into an organized hospital.During the battles of Tarawa, Iwo Jima, Philippines, and Okinawa, surgical teams consisting of at first three and then five physicians as well as 35 Pharmacist Mates were attached to LSTs.In preparation for Operation Olympic, the initial invasion of Japan planned for 1 November 1945, 36 LSTs were to be redesignated LSTHs.