Amphibious Training
 at Fort Pierce
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Adair crew members acquired their LCVP training for duty on PA91-15 in the Pacific.
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Allied and American invasion experiences in Africa and on Pacific Islands convinced United States military leaders of the need for instruction in amphibious combat techniques. Because of the protective barrier islands along the Florida Atlantic Coast, Fort Pierce was determined to be an ideal location for training in amphibious warfare. Participants here gained instruction as small craft landing crews, combat engineers, beach battalions, Navy Seabees, scouts and raiders and underwater demolition teams (UDT). The Navy’s first UDT class graduated from here in July 1943 and “Frogmen” saw their first combat at Normandy almost a year later. Training in the use of various landing craft designs (LCVPs, Higgins Boats, and LVTs) was also conducted at this site.

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Oil on Canvas Painting by Carlos Lopez


Invasion Tapestry
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Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have received amphibious training at Fort Pierce learn to go over a transport side into invasion craft by climbing down landing nets at a mock-up or simulated ship's side.
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Smoke Screen
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In the early morning at an invasion rehearsal H-Hour, smoke screens are laid as landing craft wait their turn to hit the beach from the line of departure. In battle, the Navy finishes the taxi service for the Army or Marine assault troops, and boats are loaded with men, trucks, tanks, and guns.
Concrete Ship Side
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This welin davit simulates a ship, with davits. The LCVP in foreground is coming alongside, and will be hoisted "aboard" with the other landing craft, in center, stirring high waves to add realism to the operation.

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