Chapter III
Amphibious Landing Craft

			Page
Symbols of U.S. Navy Ships			1-2
Nautical Terms and Phrases			3-7
Transport Group, Organization			8
Landing Craft, Characteristics			9-10
Matériel Capacity of Various Landing Craft			11
Landing Craft, Diagrams			12-45
	APD		12
	APD (Converted Hull)		13
	LCI(L)		14
	LCM		15
	LCP(L)		16
	LCP(R)		17
	LCP(R) (Nested)		18
	LCR(S)		19
	LCS(S)		20
	LCT(6)		21
	LCV		22
	LCV(P)		23
	LSD		24
	LSM		25
	LST		26
	LVT(A)(1)		27
	LVT(2)		28
	LVT(3)		29
	AK		30
	AKA		31
	AP		32
	APA		33
	C1A		34
	C2		35
	C3		36
	EC-2		37
	Truck, Amphibian, 1/4 Ton		38
	Truck, Amphibian, 21/2 Ton		39
	Trailer, Amphibious, Cargo		40
	Trailer, Athey		41
	Fingerlift		42
	Tractor, Crane, M5		43
	Light Cargo Carrier, M-29-C		44
	Cherrypicker		45
Landing Craft, Time-Distance Tables			46-47

Symbols of U.S. Navy Ships

AB Crane Ship AD Destroyer Tender AE Ammunition Ship AF Provision Store Ship AG Miscellaneous Auxiliary AGC Combined Operations Communication Headquarters Ship AGP Motor Torpedo Boat Tender AGS Surveying Ship AH Hospital Ship AK Cargo Vessel AKA Cargo Vessel, Attack AKF Refrigerated Cargo Vessel AKS General Stores Issue Ship AM Large Minesweeper AMb Base Minesweeper AMc Coastal Minesweeper AN Net Layer AO Oiler AOG Gasoline Tanker AP Transport APA Transport, Attack APc Coastal Transport APD Troop Transport (High Speed) APH Transport for Wounded APM Mechanized Artillery Transport APR Rescue Transport APS Auxiliary Cargo Submarine APV Aircraft Transport AR Repair Ship ARB Repair Ship, Battle Damage ARD Floating Drydock ARG Internal Combustion Engine Tender ARH Heavy Hull Repair Ship ARL Repair Ship, Landing Craft ARS Salvage Vessel AS Submarine Tender ASR Submarine Rescule Vessel AT Oceagoing Tug ATR Rescue Tug AV Seaplane Tender (Large) AVC Catapult Lighter AVD Seaplane Tender (Converted DD) AVP Seaplane Tender (Small) AX Auxiliary Tender, Large AY Auxiliary Tender, Small BB Battleship CA Heavy Cruiser CB Large Cruiser CL Light Cruiser CM Mine Layer CMc Coastal Mine Layer CV Aircraft Carrier CVE Aircraft Carrier Escort CVB Large Aircraft Carrier CVL Small Aircraft Carrier DD Destroyer DE Destroyer Escort DM Light Minelayer (High Speed) DMS Minesweeper (High Speed) DUKW 21/2-ton, 6x6 Amphibian Truck IX Unclassified JEEP 1/4-ton, 4x4 Amphibian Truck LCC Landing Craft, Control LCI(L) Landing Craft, Infantry (Large) LCM(2) 45' Landing Craft, Mechanized, Mk II

LCM(3) 50' Landing Craft, mechanized, Mk III LCM(6) Landing Craft, Mechanized LCP(L) 36' Landing Craft, Personnel (Large) LCP(R) 36' Landing Craft, Personnel (With Ramp) LCP(N) Landing Craft, Personnel (Nested) LCR(L) Landing Craft, Rubber (Large) LCR(S) Landing Craft, Rubber (Small) LCS(L) Landing Craft, Support (Large) LCS(S) Landing Craft, Support (Small) LCT(5) Landing Craft, Tank Mk V LCT(6) Landing Craft, Tank Mk VI LCV Landing Craft, Vehicle LCVP Landing Craft, Vehicle and Personnel ["Higgins" boat] LSD Landing Ship, Dock LST Last Ship, Tank LSV Landing Ship, Vehicles LVT(1) Landing Vehicle, Tracked (Unarmored) cargo obsolete LVT(1) Landing Vehicle, Tracked (Armored) Tank LVT(2) Landing Vehicle, Tracked (New design--unarmored) Cargo LVT(A2) Landing Vehicle, Tracked (New design--armored) Cargo LVT(A3) Landing Vehicle, Tracked (New design--armored) LVT(A4) Landing Vehicle, Tracked (New design--armored) LVT(3) & (4) Landing Vehicle, Tracked Cargo PC 173' Submarine Chaser PCE 180' Patrol Craft Escort Vessel PCE(R) 180' Patrol Craft Escort, Rescue PCS 136' Submarine Chaser PE Eagle Boat PF Frigate PG Gunboat PR River Gunboat PT Motor Torpedo Boat PTC Motorboat Submarine Chaser PY Yacht PYc Coastal Yacht SC 110' Submarine Chaser SM Mine Laying Submarine SS Submarine YA Ash Lighter YAG District Auxiliary, Miscellaneous YC Open Lighter YCF Car Float YCK Open Cargo Lighter YCV Aircraft Transportation Lighter YD Floating Derrick YDG Degaussing Vessel YDT Diving Tender YF Covered Lighter; Range Tender; Provision Store Lighter YFB Ferryboat and Launch YFD Floating Drydock YFT Torpedo Transportation Lighter YG Garbage Lighter YH Ambulance Boat YHB Houseboat YRT Heating Scow YM Dredge

YMS Motor Mine Sweeper YMT Motor Tug YN Net Tender YNg Gate Vessel YNT Net Tender (Tug Class) YO Fuel Oil Barge YOG Gasoline Barge YOS Oil Storage Barge YP District Patrol Vessel YPD Floating Pile Driver YPK Pontoon Stowage Barge YR Floating Workshop YRC Submarine Rescue Chamber YRD(H) Floating Workshop, Drydock (Hull) YRD(M) Floating Workshop, Drydock (Machinery) YS Stevedore Barge YSD Seaplane Wrecking Derrick YSP Salvage Pontoon YSR Sludge Removal Barge Yt Harbor Tug YTT Torpedo Testing Barge YW Water Barge

Nautical Terms and Phrases

See also:

Glossary of U.S. Naval Abbreviations Manual of Commands and Orders Nomenclature of Naval Vessels

ABAFT --

In the direction of the stern.

AFT --

Near the stern.

AMIDSHIPS ('MIDSHIPS) --

In the venter of the vessel, either with reference to her length or to her breadth.

ATHWARTSHIPS (THWARTSHIPS) --

At right angles to the fore-and-aft line of the vessel.

BARGE --

A ship's boat designated for the use of flag officers.

BELAY --

To make fast to a pin or cleat. (Stop, cancel, such as to belay an order.)

BETWEEN DECKS ('TWEEN DECKS) --

The space between any two decks of a ship.

BILGE --

The curved part of a ship's hull where the sides and the flat bottom meet. Also the largest circumference of a cask.

BITTS --

Vertical wooden or metal projections on the deck used for securing lines or gear.

BOAT BOOM --

The boom swung out from a ship's side when at anchor and to which boats in the water secure.

BOAT HOOK --

A wooden staff with a metal hook at one end used for fending off or holding on.

BOATSWAIN (BOS'N) --

An officer aboard ship who has charge of the rigging and who calls the crew to duty.

BOOBY-HATCH --

A raised small hatch.

BREECH --

The bottom of a block. The after end of a gun. The outside angle of a knee-timber.

BRIDGE --

The raised platform extending athwartship in the forward part of the ship and form which it is steered and navigated. Amidships and after bridges are sometimes so fitted.

BRIG --

The ship's prison. A square rigged vessel with two masts. An hermaphrodite brig is rigged on the foremast like a brig and on the mainmast like a schooner.

BROACH TO --

To slew round when running before the wind.

BULKHEAD --

Transverse or longitudinal partitions separating portions of the ship [walls]

BUNK --

Bed on board ship.

CALL --

The boatswain's pipe.

CARGO HATCH --

A hatch over a cargo hold.

CARRY AWAY --

To break or tear loose.

CLEAT --

A fitting of wood or metal with horns, used for securing lines.

COLORS --

The national ensign.

COMPANIONWAY --

The steps leading below from the upper deck.

DAVIT --

A curved metal spar fitting into a socket on deck and projecting over the side for hanging a boat.

DEAD AHEAD --

Directly ahead.

Nautical terms and phrases (Cont'd)

DEAD RECKONING --

A navigator's reckoning with courses steered and distances run independent of sights or bearings.

DECK --

The floor of all parts of the vessel which rest upon the beams.

DIP --

(Colors) The temporary lowering of the ensign part way down in the process of saluting or returning a sulte of another vessel.

DOGS --

Used to secure water-tight doors and hatches.

DOG WATCH --

One of the two-hour watches from 40 to 8 p.m.; from 4 to 6 p.m. is the first dog watch, and from 6 to 8 p.m., the second dog watch.

DOUBLE BOTTOMS --

Water-tight subdivisions of a man-of-war next to the keel and between the outer bottom and inner bottom.

DRAFT --

The depth of water to vessel's keel. The depth to which a vessel sinks in the water.

DUNNAGE --

Loose material placed in holds for the cargo to rest on, or jammed between the cargo to wedge it.

EASE OFF --

To slack up.

ENSIGN --

The flag carried by a vessel as the insignia of her nationality.

FALL --

That part of tackle which the power is applied in hoisting.

FANTAIL --

The part of the stern of a vessel extending abaft the sternpost.

FATHOM --

Six feet.

FENDER --

Canvas, wood or rope used over the side to protect a vessel from chafing when alongside another vessel or a dock.

FIDLEY --

The iron framework around the ladder of a deck-hatch leading below decks.

FORE --

Term used to distinguish the forward part of a vessel, or parts forward of amidships.

FORECASTLE (FOCSLE) --

The upper deck forward of the foremast.

FOUL --

Jammed; not clear.

GALLEY --

The ship's kitchen.

GANGWAY --

An opening in the bulwarks to give entrance to the ship.

GEAR --

The general name for ropes, blocks and tackles of spars or sails.

GIG --

A ship''s boat designated for the use of the commanding officer.

GUNWALE (GUNNEL) --

The upper rail of a boat or vessel.

GYRO COMPASS --

A compass consisting of a rapidly spinning rotor so swung as to maintain its axis in the geographical meridian and pointing to the true North.

HAND-ROPE --

A line secured waist high above a boat-boom or gangplank; used for steadying oneself. (Also termed grab rope.)

Nautical terms and phrases (Cont'd)

HARD OVER --

An order to put the wheel or tiller as far over to the side designated as possible.

HAWSER --

A large rope for towing or heavy work.

HEAD --

The ship's lavatory; or toilet.

HEAVING LINE --

A small line secured to a hawser and thrown to an approaching vessel or to a dock, for a messenger.

HEAVE TO --

To put a vessel in the position of lying-to.

HELM --

The tiller. The machinery by which a vessel is steered.

HOIST AWAY --

An order to haul up.

HOLD --

The space below decks utilized for the stowage of ballast, cargo or stores.

HULL --

The body of a vessel.

INBOARD --

Toward the fore-and-aft line of the ship.

INSHORE --

Toward shore.

JACK --

The flag similar to the union of the national flag.

JACOB'S LADDER --

A ladder of rope with wooden steps used over the side and aloft.

KEEL --

The timber or bar forming the backbone of the vessel and running from the stem to the sternpost at the bottom of the ship.

KNOCK OFF --

To stop; especially to stop work.

KNOT --

A division on the log-line, answering to a mile of distance. A nautical mile is 6,080 feet; a land mile 5,280 feet.

LADDER --

A metal, wooen or rope stairway.

LANYARD --

A rope made fast to an article for securing it, e.g., knife lanyard, bucket lanyard, etc.; or for setting up rigging.

LEE --

the side opposite to that from which the wind blows.

LEEWARD (LOOARD) --

The direction away from the wind.

LEEWAY --

The drift of a vessel to leeward caused by the wind or tide.

LIE TO --

To stop the progress of a vessel at sea, either by counter-bracing the yards, or by reducing sail so that she will make little or no headway, but will merely come to and fall off by counteraction of the sails and helm.

LIFE LINE --

A line secured around the shide of the ship above the deck to prevent persons from falling overboard.

LIGHTER --

A craft used in loading and unloading vessels.

LIST --

The inclination of a vessel not caused by wind or sea.

MAGAZINE --

The space provided for the stowage of explosives.

MAIN DECK --

The highest deck extending from stem to stern.

MAKE COLORS --

Hoisting the ensign at 8 a.m.

Nautical terms and phrases (Cont'd)

MAKE SUNSET --

Lowering the colors at sunset.

MESS --

Any numbmer of men who eat or lodge together.

MILE --

A nautical mile of 1-60 of a degree of latitude, generally 6,080 feet.

MUSTER --

To assemble the crew.

OFFICER OF THE DECK --

Officer temporarily in charge of the deck of a vessel.

ON THE BEAM --

Same as abeam or abreast.

OUTBOARD --

Towards the sidees of the vessel.

PAINTER --

A rope attached to the bows of a small boat, used for making her fast.

PAY OUT --

To slack out on a line made fast on board.

PIPE DOWN --

An order to keep quiet; an order dismissing the crews from an evolution.

PIPE TO --

(Quaters) Boatswain's pipe call to an evolution.

POOPDECK --

A partial deck oat the stern over the main deck.

PORT --

The left side fo a vessel looking forward, an opening in a ship's side--such as air-port, or cargo-port.

PROW --

The part of the bow above the water.

QUARTER --

That portion of the vessel's sides near the stern.

QUARTERDECK --

A name applied to the part of hte upper deck reserved for the use of officers.

QUARTERMASTER --

A petty officer of the bridge force.

RIBS --

The framework of a vessel.

RIGGING --

General term for all ropes of a vessel.

SCREW --

The propeller.

SCUPPERS --

Holes cut in the waterways to drain water from the decks.

SECOND DECK --

A complete deck next below the main deck.

SECURE --

To make fast; safe.

SET THE WATCH --

Strictly speaking, to divide a ship's company into watches; the order at 8 p.m. on a man-of-wear to station the first watch.

SHORE --

To prop up. A prop or stanchion, placed under a beam.

SHOVE OFF --

To leave; an order to the bowman to shove the bow clear preparatory to leaving a deck or a vessel's side.

SICK BAY --

Ship's hospital.

SLING --

To set in ropes, so as to put on a tackle to hoist or lower it.

STANCHIONS --

Upright posts of wood or iron, placed so as to support the beams of a vessel. Upright pieces placed at intervals along the sides of a vessel, to support the bulwards, and rail, and reaching down to the bends by the side of the pieces to which they are bolted. Any fixed upright support.

Nautical terms and phrases (Cont'd)

STAND BY --

A preparatory order.

STARBOARD --

The right side of the vessel, looking forward.

STERN --

The after part of a vessel.

STERN-FAST --

(stern line) a rope led over the stern of a boat and used for securing her by the stern.

STOVE --

Broke in.

STOW --

To put in place.

SUPERSTRUCTURE-DECK --

A partial deck above the main, upper, forecastle or poop deck, and not extending out to the side of the ship.

TAKE A TURN --

To pass a turn around a belaying pin or cleat and hold on.

TARPAULIN --

A piece of heavy canvas, used for coveringhatches, boats, etc.

THWARTSHIPS --

At right angles to the fore-and-aft line.

TOPSIDES --

Above decks.

THGOUGH --

The hollow between two waves.

TURN --

Passing a rope around a pion or kevel, to keep it fast.

TURN TO --

An order to commence ship's work.

UNDERWAY --

Having way or progress.

UNION --

The upper inner corner of an ensign.

UNION JACK --

(see jack) Small flag, containing only the union without the fly, usually hoisted at the bow-sprit-cap.

VENTILATOR --

A wooden or metal pipe used to supply or exhaust air.

WAKE --

A vessel's track; behind.

WARDROOM --

Commissioned officer's quarters.

WATCH --

A division of time on board ship. There are seven watches in a day, from 12 M. round through the 24 hours. they consist of 4 regular 4-hour watches and the 2 "dog-watches" (see Dog Watch). A certain portion of the ship's company, appointed to stand these watches are known as "the watch." A buoy is said to watch when it floats on the surface.

WEATHER --

To windward.

WINCH --

A purchase formed by a horizontal spindle or shaft with a wheel or crank at the end.

WINDWARD --

Toward the wind.

WING --

That part of the hold or between-decks which is next to the side.

Organization of a Transport Group

Landing Craft Characteristics

Name	Symbol	Crew	Length	Beam	Weight (Lbs.)	Troop Capacity	Cargo Capacity (Tons)	Speed	Range (Miles)
Landing craft, personnel	LCP(L)	3	36'8"	10'10"	12,500	36	4	10 m.p.h.	200
landing craft, personnel, ramp	LCP(R)	3	36'8"	10'10"	12,500	36	4	10 m.p.h.	200
Landing craft, infantry, large	LCI(L)	28	158'4"	23'3"	500,000	205	32	12 m.p.h.	8000
Landing craft, rubber, large	LCR(L)		16'0"	8'0"	395	10		3.4-4.5 kt.
Landing craft, vehicle	LCV	3	36'3"	10'10"	14,000	36	5	9 knots	68
Landing craft, vehicle-personnel	LCVP	3	36'0"	10'5"	18,000	36	4	9 knots	102
Landing craft, mechanized	LCM	4	50'0"	14'1"	52,000	60	30	11 knots	140
Landing craft, Tank	LCT	13	117'6"	32'0"	268,000		150	8 knots	700
Landing Craft, Support, small	LCS(S)(2)	6	36'6"	10'9"	23,000	4		10 knots	135
Landing Craft, Support, large	LCS(L)(3)	73	158'5"	23'3"	554,00		34	11.5 knots	70
Motor Gunboat	PGM		110'0"	18'0"	216,000			19 knots	690
Landing Craft, Control, 1	LCC(1)	14	56'0"	13'7"	60,000			13.5 knots	240
Landing Vehicle, Tracked, Mark 1	LVT(1)	3	21'6"	9'8"	16,900	20	21/4	15 m.p.h. 4 knots	75 (land) 50 (water)
Landing Vehicle tracked, Mark 2	LVT(2)	3	26'1"	10'6"	25,200	24	31/4	25 m.p.h. 5.4 knots	150 (land) 75 (water)

Landing Craft Characteristics (Cont'd)

Name	Symbol	Crew	Length	Beam	Weight (Lbs.)	Troop Capacity	Cargo Capacity (Tons)	Speed	Range (Miles)
Landing vehicle, tracked, Mark 3	LVT(3)	3	24'11/2"	10'10"	28,000	24	4	5.2 knots 25 mph	75 (water) 150 (land)
anding vehicle, tracked, Mark 4	LVT(4)	3	26'1"	10'8"	23,350	24	31/4	5.4 knots 25 mph	75 (water 150 (land)
Landing vehicle, tracked, (armored) (Mark 1)	LVT(A)(1)	6	26'1"	10'8"	32,800		.5	25 mph 5.4 knots	150 (land) 75 (water)
21/2 ton, 6xz6, Amphibian Truck	DUKW	1	31'0"	8'0"	13,000	25	21/2	5.5 knots 50 mph	400 (35 mph)
1/4 tpm. 4x4 Amphibian Truck	JEEP	1	15'7"	5'4"	3,700	4	.4	4.7 knots 50 mph	300 (land)
Landing ship, Medium	LSM	52	203'6"	34'0"	1,026,000	54	150	13.3 knots	3500 (12 k)
Landing Ship, Tank	LST	9 Off. 22 Enl.	328'0"	50'0"	2,980,000	163	2100	10.8 knots	6000 (9 k)
Landing ship, Dock	LSD	17 Off. 237 Men	457'9"	72'0"	8,064,000	22 Off. 218 Enl.	1500	15 knots
Amphibious Force, Flagship	AGC		459'3"	63'		130 Off. 869 Enl.		15.5 knots
High Speed Transports (destroyers)	APD	212	306'0"	37'0"		162		23 knots	2000 (23 k)
Coastal Transport, Small	APc	20	103'0"	21'3"	476,000	2 Off. 60 Enl.	17	9.5 knots	3,095

Matériel Capacaity of Various Landing Craft

Type of Craft	Capacity
LCV	One 1-ton truck, or 36 troops, or 10,000 lbs. cargo, or 1 Bren Carrier. (tight)
LCVP	36 troops or 6,000 lb. vehicle or 8,100 lbs. cargo, provided center of gravity is kept low.
LCM(2)	One 131/2-ton tank or 30,000 lbs. cargo or 100 men.
LCM(3)	One 30-ton tank or 60,000 lbs. of cargo, or 60 troops.
LCT(5)	Five 30-ton, or four 40-ton, or three 50-ton tanks; or 9 trucks, or 150 tons cargo.
LCT(6)	Four medium or three 50-ton tanks, or 150 tons cargo.
LVT(2)	6,500 lbs. (normal) of 24 fully equipped men.
LVLT(4)	6,500 lbs. cargo. (maximum)
LVT(A)(1)	Maximum of 1,000 lbs.
DUKW	25 troops and equipment or 12 loaded litters, or 5,000 lbs. of cargo.
LSM	5 medium or 3 heavy tanks, or 6 LVT's or 9 DUKW's.
LST	2,100 tons cargo (ocean going) 500 tons cargo (landing).
LSD	3 LCT (5)(6) each with 5 medium tanks o4 2 LCT (3)(4) each with 12 medium tanks or 14 LCM(3) each with 1 medium tank or 1,500 long tons of cargo, or 41 LCT's or 47 DUKW's.
ARL	2 LCV(P), 10 Balsa Floats.
APD (DE conversion)	4 LCVP at davits 162 troops 6 1/4 ton trucks 2 1 ton trucks 4 carts T4E1 4 75 mm. Pack Howitzers 4,500 cu.ft. ammunition 1,000 cu.ft. gasoline 3,500 cu.ft. gen. stores
APD (Destroyer)	Four LCP(L) or LCP(R) and one Marine rifle co.

Landing Craft Diagrams

APD

APD (Converted Hull)

LCI(L)

LCM

LCP(L)

LCP(R)

LCP(R) (Nested)

LCR(S)

LCS(S)

LCT(6)

LCV

LCV(P)

LSD

LSM

LST

LVT(A)(1)

LVT(2)

LVT(3)

AK

AKA

AP

APA

C1A

C2

C3

EC-2

Truck, Amphibian, ¹/4 Ton

Truck, Amphibian, 2¹/2 Ton

Trailer, Amphibious, Cargo

Trailer, Athey

Fingerlift

Tractor, Crane, M5

Light Cargo Carrier, M-29-C

Cherrypicker

Landing Craft, Time-Distance Tables

Landing Craft, Time-Distance Tables (Cont'd)

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