I am a 7 year M/A vet, just like Paul. I started a couple of models 10 years ago. I am unsure whether they may be relevant to this campaign. I have been advised to post 'em just for the fun of it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBR0oNp9A7c
1/700 waterline AGB-2 USS Carondelet, a Merrimack class auxilary gun boat. Designed for close in shore fire support of troops engaged ashore. Built by Ingalls shipbuilding of Pascagoula MS,
The Merrimack class were intended to support invading US Army & US Marines in Operation Olympic, the invasion of Japan. Powered by diesel engines and the first bow thruster ever, these shallow draft, nimble vessels were packed with targeting radars, fuel & firepower. Their sea-keeping properties were not unlike an ocean going tug.
Few comforts were built in save powered shell hoists and air conditioning systems.
AGB-1, USS Merrimack's (?!?) guns and CIC were manned by members of Virginia's 116th National Guard regiment with Yankee Naval officers in key posts. USS Merrimack was lost off Kerama Retto to enemy air attack in the spring of 1945.
AGB-2 USS Carondelet served with distinction at Okinawa and Iwo Jima. Young Captain Henry Walke III took his little fighting ship in harm's way in support of US Marines ashore in both invasions under command of Admiral Kelly Richmond Turner. 14 AGB's were ordered in anticipation of littoral and river combat in Japan proper.
The US Navy cancelled the ABG contract after the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. the third vessel, USS Cairo was converted to an ocean going salvage vessel.
This 1/700 waterline vessel would have been TLAR Models first resin model kit. If I hadn't built the Master. BFA! LMAO!!