Jaycee Woods

Prompt: Is there a US naval ship named after Phil Sheridan?

Copilot: Yes, there was a U.S. naval ship named after General Philip H. Sheridan. The USS Sheridan (APA-51) was an Ormsby-class attack transport that served during World War II. The ship was named after five U.S. counties named in honor of General Sheridan.

Would you like to know more about the ship’s history or its service during the war?

Prompt: Yes

Copilot: The USS Sheridan (APA-51) was an Ormsby-class attack transport that played a significant role during World War II. Here are some key highlights of its service:

History and Construction

• Launched: The USS Sheridan was laid down on 5 November 1942 by the Moore Dry Dock Company in Oakland, California, and launched on 11 February 1943.
• Commissioned: The ship was commissioned on 31 August 1943.

Service in World War II

• Troop Transport: As an attack transport, the USS Sheridan was designed to carry troops, equipment, and landing craft, and it played a crucial role in amphibious assaults.
• Pacific Theater: The ship participated in several key operations in the Pacific Theater, including:
  • The Gilbert Islands campaign in November 1943.
  • The Marianas Islands campaign in June 1944.
  • The Philippines campaign, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944 and the Lingayen Gulf landings in January 1945.
  • The Okinawa campaign in April 1945.

Post-War Activity

• After World War II, the USS Sheridan continued to serve in the Pacific, participating in occupation duties and transporting troops back to the United States as part of Operation Magic Carpet.
• Decommissioned: The ship was decommissioned on 5 April 1946 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on 1 May 1946.

Legacy

• The USS Sheridan earned several battle stars for its service during World War II, highlighting its significant contributions to the Allied war effort.

Prompt: Are there any US army weapon systems or vehicles named after Phil Sheridan?

Copilot: Yes, there is a notable U.S. Army weapon system named after General Philip Sheridan: the M551 Sheridan. The M551 Sheridan is an Armored Reconnaissance/Airborne Assault Vehicle (AR/AAV). It was designed to be air-dropped and amphibious, capable of swimming across rivers. The Sheridan was armed with a 152 mm gun/launcher that could fire both conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided anti-tank missile.

Would you like to know more about its service history or specifications?

Prompt: Both please.

Copilot: Service History

The M551 Sheridan entered service with the United States Army in 1967. It was first deployed to South Vietnam in January 1969, at the urging of General Creighton Abrams. The Sheridan saw extensive combat in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1973. Despite its advanced technology, the Sheridan faced issues with survivability and reliability. After the Vietnam War, the Sheridan was gradually phased out of active service but remained in the 82nd Airborne Division and the National Guard until its final retirement in 1996.

Specifications

• Length: 22 feet, 4 inches (6.8 meters)
• Width: 13 feet, 6 inches (4.1 meters)
• Height: 12 feet, 6 inches (3.8 meters)
• Weight: 16.8 tons (15,240 kg)
• Crew: 4 (Commander, gunner, loader, driver)
• Main Armament: M81E1 152 mm Gun/Launcher, capable of firing both conventional ammunition and the MGM-51 Shillelagh guided anti-tank missile
• Secondary Armament: 1 × .50 cal (12.7 mm) M2 Browning machine gun, 1 × .30 cal (7.62 mm) M73/M219 co-axial machine gun (later replaced by the M240C)
• Engine: General Motors 6V53T, 6-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, 300 hp (220 kW)
• Maximum Speed: 43 mph (69 km/h) on roads, 5.8 km/h (3.6 mph) in water
• Operational Range: 373 miles (600 km)

The Sheridan was designed to be air-dropped and amphibious, making it versatile for various combat scenarios. However, its gun system was prone to malfunctions, and it was vulnerable to anti-tank mines and RPGs.

Prompt: Are there any M551 Sheridan’s in museums?

Copilot: Yes, there are several M551 Sheridan tanks on display in museums across the United States:

1. First Division Museum at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois. The museum features an M551A1 Sheridan in its Tank Park.
2. Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Columbus, Georgia. The museum has an M551A1 Sheridan on static display in its outdoor aircraft plaza.
3. U.S. Army Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The museum includes an M551 Sheridan in its Airborne Armor exhibit.
4. Eldred World War II Museum in Pennsylvania. This museum features an M551 Sheridan as part of its extensive collection of military artifacts.
5. American Heritage Museum in Stow, Massachusetts. The museum has an M551 Sheridan on display as part of its Gulf War exhibit.

These exhibits offer a great opportunity to learn more about the history and capabilities of the M551 Sheridan.

Prompt: The exhibit at the Eldred Museum. Is its motor still operational?

Copilot: I couldn’t find specific information about whether the M551 Sheridan at the Eldred World War II Museum has an operational motor. Museums often preserve vehicles in a non-operational state to ensure safety and longevity. However, it’s best to contact the museum directly for the most accurate information.

Prompt: Are there any museums in Ohio with tanks?

Copilot: Yes, there are several museums in Ohio that feature tanks and other military vehicles:

1. Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio: This museum has a collection of military artifacts, including tanks and armored vehicles.
2. American Heritage Museum in Stow, Massachusetts: While not in Ohio, it’s worth mentioning as it has one of the world’s largest collections of tanks and military vehicles.
3. Ohio Military Museum in Columbus, Ohio: This museum features various military exhibits, including tanks and other vehicles.
4. Butler County Soldiers, Sailors, and Pioneers Monument in Hamilton, Ohio: This monument includes a collection of Civil War artifacts and military vehicles.
5. Virginia Tank Museum in West Liberty, Ohio: This museum is relocating its extensive collection of tanks and military artifacts to Ohio.

Prompt: Any of those close to Cleveland?

Copilot: The I-X Center in Brook Park, Cleveland, is a notable location. Originally built as the Cleveland Bomber Plant during World War II, it later became the Cleveland Tank Plant and produced the M551 Sheridan tank. Today, the I-X Center is one of the largest exhibition facilities in the world and hosts various events, including military vehicle displays.

Prompt: You’re shitting me?

Copilot: Nope, not at all! The I-X Center in Cleveland has a fascinating history, including its time as a tank plant. It’s now a massive exhibition space that hosts a variety of events, including military vehicle displays. If you’re ever in the area, it might be worth checking out!