NOWRAMP
2002
The
Modern "Pacific" Craft
Tern Island, French Frigate Shoals
Posted by Dr. Hans Van Tilburg, Maritime Archaeology and
History Team Leader
September
15, 2002
A
couple days ago at French
Frigate Shoals we had the opportunity to dive in an
area near Tern Island. We were most interested in seeing
something there referred to as "the barge." Typically,
where there are barges disposed of, there are other items
of maritime interest. Once in the water and under 20 feet
in the clear calm setting, the overturned barge revealed…twin
screws and rudders! The large steel bow ramp identified
this vessel as a landing craft, more specifically a type
known as an LCVP (landing craft vehicle personnel), one
of the ubiquitous utility and assault vessel introduced
to the Pacific during World War II. Amphibious landings
were, of course, central to operations during the Pacific
war, and subsequently these kinds of landing craft and their
sunken remains are scattered all over the region. After
the war such vessels found use in many locations, for they
need no dock or harbor, carrying their own "landing"
with them. One other thing: the overturned landing craft
makes an excellent home for six white tipped reef sharks.
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