03291

“RHINO FERRY” FOR INVASION FORCES
The most difficult phase of the initial operation against the European Continent—that of bridging the last few hundred yards between vessels and the beach—is being accomplished to a large degree through the use of the U.S. Navy’s modern pontoon gear. Made up of hollow boxes of welded metal, in two sizes, a huge, self-propelled barge, called the “rhino ferry” can be put together aboard ship. When the objective is reached, sections of the raft can be lowered over the side, fastened into the whole with bolt, nuts, links, and angles. The, the “ferry” is ready to float vehicles and supplies ashore. The new style pontoons—or tanks—are built in two sizes, five by seven by five feet deep, and the other, seven by seven by five with one edge curved to serve as the prow of a barge. These rafts as a whole—or in sections—can be filled with water and used as piers or docks. Designed by Capt. John N. Laycock, Civil Engineer Corps, USN, Washing, D.C., these pontoons have been used previously in invasions of Attu, Africa, Sicily, and Italy. I this series of photos, the “rhino ferry” is shown being assembled and put to use.
NEW YORK BUREAU
Here, two sailors join pontoons together to form the “ferry”. Seabees are given long hours of drill on this assembly until the process becomes almost second nature to them.
Credit: U.S. Navy photo from Acme