Army Watercraft  

Overview

Landing craft mechanized-8
 Lighter, amphibious, resupply, cargo, 60-ton
 Landing craft, utility, 1600 class
 Small tug, 65-foot Large tug, 100-foot Floating machine shop Crane, barge, 89-ton
Barge, deck or liquid cargo, BG 231C (fuel) Barge, deck cargo, BC 231A Barge, deck cargo, BC 7005 Landing craft, utility 2000 Logistics support vessel Large tug, 128-foot Sources and Resources
Army Watercraft provide the foundation for theater opening and reception of Army and joint forces committed in advancing the national military strategy and are an integral part of Force XXI for projecting and sustaining combat power. Waterborne logistics delivers 90 percent of all unit equipment and supplies of U.S. forces. Army watercraft - lighterage and floating utility craft (landing craft, amphibians, modular causeways and harbor craft) - provide the critical link between offshore arrival of combat power loaded aboard strategic sealift ships and placing that power ashore in a ready-to- fight configuration. Terminal operations and water transport, which includes strategic sealift and the logistic support provided by Army watercraft, are essential to projecting and sustaining forces engaged in a range of military opera-tions worldwide. While strategic sealift delivers over 95 percent of the tonnage required by operating military forces, Army watercraft become the critical link when that tonnage is projected over the shore, through fixed ports not accessible to deep-draft vessels, or through fixed ports not adequate without the use of watercraft (all classified as LOTS operations). Army watercraft units execute all functions required for successful theater opening, reception, and sustainment of the deployed force.

A proper mix of Army watercraft must be pre-positioned for availability during the early phases of force closure. Army watercraft can be prepositioned on FLOFLO ships, SEABEEs, and/or on the decks of other large vessels.

Traditionally, Logistics Over-the-Shore [LOTS] has been defined as operations wherein a vessel anchored in open water was discharged into lighters, with the cargo subsequently discharged over a bare beach. The current definition of LOTS encompasses not only the capability to provide initial sustainment for early entry forces over an unimproved beach, but also the following:

  • Discharge through major or minor ports inaccessible or denied to deep-draft shipping.
  • Intratheater sealift of cargo and equipment.
  • Support of normal fixed port operations (i.e., berthing ships, providing heavy lift floating crane service, shuttling LASHs).

A LOTS operation may be conducted as part of the base, garrison, or theater development that immediately follows an amphibious operation or as a separate evolution when no amphibious operation precedes it. During LOTS operations, supplies and equipment are moved ashore and transferred to a transportation agency for onward movement. Because LOTS operations are inherently dangerous, risk assessment and risk management are ongoing requirements.

Certain conditions require a LOTS operation through major or secondary ports. If, for example, port facilities are denied to deep-draft shipping as a result of enemy action, a LOTS operation would be the alternative. Other circumstances requiring LOTS include inadequate port berthing capability or inadequate port facilities due to shallow water depths and/or enemy action. LOTS operations across a bare beach are the most resource-demanding in terms of the type and number of watercraft required. In many areas, the capacities of existing ports are not adequate to support theater tonnage requirements. This factor, along with the possibility of enemy insurgent activities, requires that plans favor widely scattered beach operations over large port complexes. In-the-stream anchor is an operation where a deep-draft vessel is anchored in protected deep waters, such as a harbor. Offshore anchor provides anchorage off the shoreline in unprotected deep water. From either of these anchorages, ships can discharge to lighters for subsequent discharge to a fixed-port facility, unimproved facility, or bare beach. Nearly 40 percent of all cargo entering a theater by surface means is delivered through dispersed beach terminals. Therefore, the theater’s senior terminal commander must continually plan for and open new beaches. These sites accommodate increased tonnages and replace the tonnage capacity of a port or unimproved facility that has been made untenable by enemy actions.  Return to Top

Watercraft fall into two categories, lighterage and floating utility. These two categories are defined according to the mission they perform.
  • Lighterage are craft used to transport equipment, cargo and personnel between ships, from ship-to-shore or for intratheater transport. Lighterage are further classified into conventional displacement (landing craft), amphibious (wheeled), or modular causeway systems (powered ferry).
  • Floating Utility craft perform operations incidental to water terminal operations, except lighterage service. Watercraft in this category are harbor and ocean going tugs, pusher tugs, floating cranes, barges, floating machine shops, floating causeway and Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO/RO) discharge facilities (RRDF).
Each vessel in the Army’s marine fleet bears an individual serial number, preceded by an applicable prefix. Vessel prefixes are as follows:
  • Barge, dry-cargo, 1 nonpropelled, medium (100 through 149 feet) – BC
  • Conversion kit, barge deck enclosure – BCDK
  • Barge, dry-cargo nonpropelled, large (160 feet and over) – BCL
  • Crane, floating – BD
  • Lighter, beach discharge – BDL
  • Barge, liquid cargo, nonpropelled – BG
  • Barge, dry cargo, nonpropelled – BK
  • Barge, pier, nonpropelled – BPL
  • Barge, refrigerated, nonpropelled – BR
  • Ferryboat – FB
  • Dry dock, floating – FD
  • Repair shop, floating, marine craft, nonpropelled – FMS
  • Freight and supply vessel large (140 feet and over) – FS
  • Boat, utility – J
  • Lighter, amphibious – LARC
  • Landing craft, mechanized – LCM
  • Landing craft, utility – LCU
  • Logistics support vessel – LSV
  • Tug, large, seagoing – LT
  • Tug, small, harbor – ST
  • Boat, passenger and cargo – T
  • Temporary crane discharge facility – TCDF
  • Vessel, liquid cargo – Y

Landing craft mechanized-8  Return to Top

The LCM-8 transports cargo, troops, and vehicles from ship to shore or in retrograde movements. It is also used in lighter and utility work in harbors. The LCM-8 is designed for use in rough or exposed waters and can be operated through breakers and grounded on the beach. The bow ramp allows RORO operations with wheeled and tracked vehicles. Its small size allows for use in confined areas. The LCM-8 can be transported by LSVs, LCU 2000s, LSTs, commercial bulk carriers, and heavy lift ships. Characteristics and capabilities include the following:
  • Length overall: 74 feet.
  • Beam: 21 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 58 LTONs (light); 111 LTONs (loaded).
  • Deck area: 620 square feet.
  • Payload: 53 tons.
  • Range: 332 nautical miles at 11 knots (light); 271 nautical miles at 9 knots (loaded).
  • Draft: 3.5 feet (light); 5 feet (loaded).

Lighter, amphibious, resupply, cargo, 60-ton  Return to Top

The LARC-60 transports wheeled and tracked vehicles, including beach preparation equipment and general cargo from ship to shore or to inland transfer points. It is the only amphibian in the Army inventory, and the only vessel capable of landing on a beach through a breaking surf. The LARC-60 can be deck-loaded on a commercial vessel or heavy lift ship for transport overseas. It can be transported on a semi-submersible vessel, in the well deck of an LSD, or aboard a SEABEE. Characteristics and capabilities include the following:
  • Length overall: 63 feet.
  • Beam: 27 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 88 LTONs (light).
  • Deck area: 527 square feet.
  • Payload: 60 tons.
  • Range: land, 60-ton load, 150 statue miles at 14 MPH; water, 60-ton load, 75 nautical miles at 6 knots.
  • Draft: 7.5 feet (light); 9 feet (loaded).

Landing craft, utility, 1600 class  Return to Top

The LCU-1600 transports wheeled and tracked equipment and gen-eral cargo from ship to shore, shore to shore, and in retrograde operations. RORO missions are accom-plished using the vessel’s bow and stern ramps. It is valuable in LOTS operations and intratheater trans-port using harbor and IWW routes. The LCU-1600 is not capable of self-deployment over open oceans. It is deployed aboard vessels such as HLPSs, barges, and FLOFLO ships. It can also be loaded on Navy LSTs, LSDs, or commercial bulk carriers. Charac-teristics and capabilities include:
  • Length overall: 135 feet.
  • Beam: 30 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 205 LTONs (light); 390 LTONs (loaded).
  • Deck area: 1,785 square feet.
  • Payload: 184 tons.
  • Range: 1,200 nautical miles at 12 knots (light); 1,100 nautical miles at 11 knots (loaded).
  • Draft: 6 feet (light); 7 feet (loaded).

Small tug, 65-foot  Return to Top

The 65-foot tug moves non-propelled barges in harbors and IWWs. Secondary functions include general utility uses, fire fighting, salvage, and assisting in the docking and undock-ing of large vessels. Overseas deployment is by deck loading aboard a heavy lift ship or by towing by a larger vessel. Characteristics and capabilities include:
  • Length overall: 71 feet.
  • Beam: 19.5 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 100 LTONs (light); 122 LTONs (loaded).
  • Bollard pull: 8.75 tons.
  • Range: 1,700 nautical miles at 12 knots (light); variable with tow (loaded).
  • Draft: 7.5 feet (light); 8.5 feet (loaded).

Large tug, 100-foot   Return to Top

The 100-foot tug is used to berth and unberth large oceangoing vessels and for heavy towing within harbor areas. Secondary func-tions include general utility uses, fire fighting, and salvage operations. It may also be used for limited off-shore towing between terminals. Depending upon distance, weather, sea conditions, and crew training, the 100-foot tug can self-deploy or be transported by FLOFLO. Characteristics and capa-bilities include:
  • Length overall: 107 feet.
  • Beam: 27 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 295 LTONs (light); 390 LTONs (loaded).
  • Bollard pull: 13.8 LTONs/31.5 LTONs.
  • Range: 3,323 nautical miles at 12.8 knots/ 2,245 nautical miles at 12.8 knots (light); variable with tow (loaded). NOTE: Higher fuel consumption of larger engines in ESP tugs reduces range.
  • Draft: 11.5 feet (light); 12.5 feet (loaded).

Floating machine shop  Return to Top

The FMS consists of 14 re-pair shops, an onboard 9-LTON crane, and an internal monorail trolley system. The shops are bat-tery, blacksmith, carpentry, electrical, engine, fuel injection, machine, sheet metal, paint, pipe fitting, radar and radio, refrigeration, shop fitting, and welding. The FMS can accomplish DS/GS level maintenance, repair, rebuild, and overhaul. The FMS can support the sustainment phase of operations. It is not self-propelled; therefore, it must be towed to overseas locations. Characteristics and capabilities of the FMS include:
  • Length overall: 210 feet.
  • Beam: 40 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 1,160 LTONs (light); 1,525 LTONs (loaded).
  • Draft: 6 feet (light); 8 feet (loaded).

Crane, barge, 89-ton   Return to Top

The BD 89T is used to load and discharge heavy lift cargo that is beyond the capacity of ship’s gear. It is com-monly called the 100-ton crane which is the short ton capacity rating. The BD 89T is not self-propelled; it can be towed overseas or deck-loaded aboard a semi-submersible ship for transport. Its characteristics and capabilities include:
  • Length overall: 140 feet.
  • Beam: 70 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 1,630 (loaded).
  • Boom length: 123.5 feet.
  • Capacity: 89 LTONs at 80-foot radius.
  • Draft: 6.3 feet (loaded).

Barge, deck or liquid cargo, BG 231C (fuel)  Return to Top

The BG 231 transports liquid or general cargo in harbors and inland waters. It can transfer liquid products from off-shore tankers to shore facilities. The BG 231 can also serve as a refueling point for watercraft operating in the area. The barge is equipped with two skegs aft; this improves its towing capability by helping to keep it tracking on course. It can be towed overseas or deck-loaded aboard an HLPS. Characteristics and capa-bilities include:
  • Length overall: 120 feet.
  • Beam: 33 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 185 LTONs (light); 763 LTONs (loaded).
  • Cargo capacity: deck, 578 LTONs; liquid, 4,160 barrels (188,416 gallons).
  • Cargo pump capacity: 1,050 gallons per minute.
  • Draft: 3 feet (light); 9 feet (loaded).

Barge, deck cargo, BC 231A   Return to Top

The BC 231 trans-ports containers, general cargo, and wheeled and tracked vehicles in harbors and IWWs. It is particu-larly suited for transporting tracked and wheeled vehicles. It is equipped with two skegs aft, thereby improving its towing capability by helping to keep it tracking on course. The BC 231 can be loaded aboard ships or towed overseas. Characteristics and capa-bilities include:
  • Length overall: 120 feet.
  • Beam: 33 feet
  • Displacement (weight): 175 LTONs (light); 760 LTONs (loaded).
  • Cargo capacity: 585 LTONs.
  • Draft: 2.5 feet (light); 8 feet (loaded).

Barge, deck cargo, BC 7005  Return to Top

The BC 7005 trans-ports containers, general cargo, and wheeled and tracked vehicles in harbors and IWWs. Because of its flush deck without fore and aft sheer, it is particu-larly suited for transporting vehicles. The BC 7005 was built without skegs, making it easy to maneuver at port terminals where piers are in close proximity. The BC 7005 can be deck-loaded aboard ships or towed overseas. Characteristics and capabilities include:
  • Length overall: 110 feet.
  • Beam: 32 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 120 LTONs (light); 690 LTONs (loaded).
  • Cargo capacity: 570 LTONs.
  • Draft: 1.75 feet (light); 7.5 feet (loaded).

Landing craft, utility 2000  Return to Top

The LCU 2000 ) transports rolling and tracked vehicles, containers, and outsized and general cargo from ships offshore to shore (LOTS), as well as to areas that cannot be reached by oceangoing vessels (coastal, harbor, and IWWs). It can be self-deployed or transported aboard a FLOFLO vessel. It is classed by the ABS for full ocean service and one-man engine room operations and is built to USCG standards. The LCU 2000 succeeds the 1646 Class LCU and replaces the 1466 Class in both the Army’s Active and Reserve inventories. The Army has 35 LCU 2000s. Characteristics and capabilities of the LCU 2000 include:
  • Length (overall): 174 feet.
  • Beam: 42 feet.
  • Displacement: 575 LTONs (light); 1,087 LTONs (loaded).
  • Deck area: 2,500 square feet (5 M1 main battle tanks or 12 [24 double-stacked] 20-foot ISO containers.
  • Bow ramp: 16 feet wide x 22 feet long.
  • Payload: 350 STONs (15 C-141 loads).
  • Range: 10,000 nautical miles at 12 knots (light); 6,500 nautical miles at 10 knots (loaded).
  • Draft: 8 feet (light); 9 feet (loaded).
  • Beaching draft: 4 feet at the bow.
  • Carries up to thirty 20-foot containers or twelve 40-foot containers.
  • Sustains crew of 2 warrant officers and 11 en-listed personnel for up to 18 days.
  • Equipped with latest navigation, communica-tions, and electronic equipment including an automatic pilot and steering system.

Logistics support vessel    Return to Top

The LSV provides worldwide transport of general and vehicular cargo. LSV missions include intratheater line-haul in support of unit deployment or relocation; tactical and sustained resupply to remote, undevel-oped areas along coastlines and on IWWs; and support to the discharge and backload of ships in RORO or LOTS operations. Six LSVs are in the Army inventory. LSV characteristics and capabilities include:
  • Length (overall): 273 feet.
  • Beam (molded): 60 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 4,199 LTONs.
  • Deck area: 10,500 square feet (21 to 24 M1 main battle tanks or 25 [50 double-stacked] 20-foot ISO containers).
  • Bow ramp opening: 26 feet wide.
  • Payload: 2,000 STONs (86 C-141 loads).
  • Range: 8,200 nautical miles at 12.5 knots (light); 6,500 nautical miles at 11.5 knots (loaded).
  • Draft: 6 feet (light); 12 feet (loaded).
  • Drive-through capability (bow and stem ramps).
  • Self-delivery range: 6,500 nautical miles.
  • Sustains crew of 6 officers and 23 enlisted per-sonnel for up to 30 days.
  • Transports heavy, outsized cargo including rolling stock, general cargo, and ISO containers.

Large tug, 128-foot  Return to Top

The 128-foot LT ) is designed for ocean and coastal towing operations. All six LTs were fielded in 1994. LT missions include: assisting bulk and special cargo ships to berth or anchorage; shuttling non-self propelled barges and other floating equipment from location to location during LOTS operations; and providing ocean, coastal, and inland waterway tow service for Army logistic support. The LT is self-deployable worldwide. Characteristics and capabilities include:
  • Length overall: 128 feet.
  • Beam (molded): 36 feet.
  • Displacement (weight): 786 LTONs (light); 1,057 LTONs (loaded).
  • Bollard pull: 58 tons.
  • Range: 5,000 nautical miles at 13.5 knots (light); 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots (loaded).
  • Draft: 14.5 feet (light); 17 feet (loaded).

Sources and Resources  Return to Top