Belle Grove (LSD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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THE CLIMAX OF WEEKS OF I.AROUR AND MONTHS OF PLANNING OCCURS WHEN THE SURF LINE IS PASSED AND THE BEACHHEAD ESTABLISHED The Marine Landinf Vehicle Tank (LVT) is an extraordinary low silhouette vehicle designed to carry troops from ship to shore in a concentrated armored assault upon enemy beaches. They are capable of providing limited fire power and can swiftly carry the assault inland with true amphibian efficiency. -

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r The t reatest threat to an amphibious force as it sits off the beach debarking the men and material necessary to wage war on the hind is from the air. Although we may assume air supremacy there is still an urgent need for remaining constantly alert and pre- pared to defend the ship at general (]uarters.

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The overall view of an amphibious operation is provided in the above picture. In the fores;round are the first waves of troop carrying LVT ' S. In the background are the supporting ships of the amphibious task force. There are Cruisers and Dest- royers on hand to jirovide shore bombardment and fleet air defense, amphibious ships for transporting and debarking the necessities of land v arfare, and th re are the hundreds of small boats to accomplish the ship to shore movement. The Skid Tango II [lictured at the right, manned by LTJG Hill, ENS Hubbard, Sauls SMSN, Thompson SN, and Ownby RMSN, served as cowboy to the herds of boats gathered round the beach area. ■3.