LCUs: Workhorse of the Amphibious Fleet
Story Number: NNS030630-17
6/30/2003
By Chief Journalist (SW) Dave Fliesen, USS Saipan Public Affairs
ABOARD USS SAIPAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Day in and day out, their backs are laden with heavy loads.
They trudge over coastal waters moving men and their machines between the beach and ships in the North Arabian Gulf. They can take it, though - because they're built tough, built to last.
The Landing Craft Utility, or LCU, was built for just this type of mission: transporting equipment and troops between shore and sea. They transport tracked or wheeled vehicles and troops between beachheads, piers and amphibious assault ships.
"We are the work horse of the amphibious fleet," said Chief Warrant Officer Robin R. Ross, officer in charge, Assault Craft Unit 2 Det. B deployed aboard USS Saipan (LHA 2). "We can carry 200 tons in time of war. That's three M1A1 battle-ready tanks or 400 battle-ready Marines on each craft."
Use of landing craft in amphibious assault dates back to World War II. With a max speed of 11 knots, they can carry a much heavier load than their Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC) counterparts.
"We can carry a lot more than the LCACs," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Steven Bolin, craftmaster, 1663. "We can take over 3 times as much as they can - 3 tanks to their 1."
LCUs are primarily used by LHA class amphibious assault ships, while the LCACs are used by the LHD class amphibs. Their muscle power was seen during the Operation Iraqi Freedom back load by amphibs throughout the fleet.
"Our detachment has done extremely well. We've had only minor equipment casualties, and have been able to provide support throughout the amphibious task force," commented Ross. "All four of our LCUs assisted throughout the amphibious task force with the offload of troops in February and the May back load. We even had LCU 1657 help the Naval Special Clearance Team 1 house two dolphins aboard the craft for 8 days, in order to conduct mine countermeasures. These boats have proven themselves time and again to be reliable."
The 135-foot-long craft have both bow and stern ramps. Moving tons of material and personnel takes a lot of teamwork.
"If you don't have teamwork, you don't have anything," said Quartermaster 3rd Class Brady Beckman, who serves as craft 1663's navigator. Beckman grew up in Kickapoo, Ill., a town of 250 people. He said he likes being on a small craft because he has more opportunity and challenge.
"I grew up on the Illinois River and wanted to be on something small - so I pretty much got what I wanted," said Beckman. "I'm responsible for the safe navigation of the craft, maintaining the charts and publications, preparing the navigation briefs, and helping everyone else out."
You don't have just one job aboard an LCU.
"Everyone has a place out here. They live aboard the LCU - this is their home on deployment. They eat, sleep and work here," said Ross.
"Just because you're an MS (mess specialist) doesn't mean you're going to stay in the galley," explains Bolin. "You've got to be able to do every job on here.including mine."
"I learned more out here than in my rate training manual," added Seaman (SW) Brian Rouse. "I do a little bit of everything out here. We help out the engineers, and take care of aft steering and the engine room."
Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Roy Neal said his job is much broader aboard an LCU.
"I have to know how to do everything - radio communications, navigation, deck - not just my electrical field," he said "It's so much fun. I get to learn everything and participate in it."
"This is the best possible sea duty you'll ever get," said Bolin. "This is truly 'Enlisted Command at Sea.' The chief is in charge of the craft. It's awesome duty. I have more responsibility per square inch on here."
For the latest news from around the fleet visit the Navy NewsStand at www.news.navy.mil.
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