Archaeological Investigation of a Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP)

Designed and built by New Orleans boat builder Andrew Jackson Higgins, LCVPs were the workhorses of amphibious assault forces in World War II.   The boats were used throughout the war and were critical to the success of the Allied Invasion of Normandy on D-Day and the many island invasions of the Pacific theatre.   They were also critical to amphibious landings early in the Korean War.

The boats were constructed with the propeller and shaft housed in a semi-tunnel for protection, and a v-shaped hull with a reverse curve just aft of midships.   This innovative hull form tended to force objects and aerated water away from the after part of the hull, allowing the propeller to run in clean water without cavitation, or bubbles, which tend to reduce the propellor's power.

Heavy frames and keel, along with a reinforced skeg to protect the propeller and shaft completed the rugged construction.   The vessel was highly maneuverable and drew only 10 inches of water when underway.

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