Report of Activities of the 25th Naval Construction Regiment

Seabee Operation Plan


SEABEE OPERATION PLAN
CTU 127.2.2.No. 1-44

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - Task Organization Pages 1-5 1. General Information 2. Near Shore 3. Far Shore 4. OMAHA Beach Organization a. NOIC Beach b. Ferry Control c. Causeways 1 and 2 d. Maintenance and Repair e. MULBERRY Task Organization and Information f. Beach Camp 5. UTAH Beach Organization a. NOIC Organization b. Ferry Control c. Causeways 3 and 4 d. Maintenance and Repair e. Beach Camp PART II - NEAR SHORE PLAN Pages 5-8 1. General Information 2. Transportation a. Seabee Pontoon Equipment b. Beach OMAHA (1) Phasing (2) Towing Assignments for OMAHA (a) RHINO Ferries (b) Causeway #1 (c) Causeway #2 c. Beach UTAH (1) Phasing (2) Towing Assignments for UTAH (a) RHINO Ferries (b) Causeway #3 (c) Causeway #4 d. Captured Ports PART III - FAR SHORE PLAN Pages 8-17 1. Mission 2. Personnel a. Officer Personnel (1) MULBERRY (2) Survey Crew (3) "O" Beach (4) "U" Beach (5) DREW (6) P.O.L. b. Enlisted Personnel (1) MULBERRY (2) Survey Crew (3) "O" Beach (4) "U" Beach (5) DREW (6) P.O.L. (7) 25th U. S. Naval Construction Regiment 3. Operations a. General Information (1) Accommodations Afloat (2) Naval Beach Camps (a) Capacity and Location (b) Construction and Operation (c) Messing (d) Water (3) Establishing of Headquarters (a) "O" Beach (b) "U" Beach (4) Casualty Replacements (a) Afloat (b) Ashore (5) Care of Casualties (a) Afloat (b) Ashore (6) Gas Defense (7) Decontamination (8) Mail b. MULBERRY "A" c. Crews of Pontoon Equipment (1) RHINO Ferries (2) RHINO tugs (3) Causeway Tugs (4) Warping Tugs d. Equipment Allowances (1) Authorized (2) Replacements e. Pontoon Equipment (1) General Information (a) P.O.L. Capacities (b) Refueling (c) Bad Weather (d) Defects (2) RHINO Ferries (a) Description (b) Instructions (c) For Beach "O" (d) For Beach "U" (3) Causeways and Tugs (a) Description (b) Uses (c) Instructions (d) Limitations due to weather (e) Signals (4) Warping Tugs (5) RHINO Ferries (6) Drydocks f. Captured Ports (DREW) g. P.O.L. File No. A4-3 Allied Expeditionary Force Western Naval Task Force Serial 000877 Task Unit ONE TWO SEVEN POINT TWO POINT TWO Hamoaze House Plymouth, Devon, England SEABEE OPERATION PLAN 27 May 1944. C.T.U. 127.2.2. No. 1-44 PART I - Task Organization 1. General Information Task Force 122 - Control Force Rear Admiral Alan G. Kirk, USN Task Force 124 - Assault Force "O" Rear Admiral J. L. Hall, Jr., USN Task Force 125 - Assault Force "U" Rear Admiral D. P. Moon, USN Task Force 126 - Follow up Force "B" Commodore C. D. Edgar, USN Task Force 127 - Service Force of CTF 122 Rear Admiral John Wilkes, USN Task Force 128 - Mulberry "A" Captain A. D. Clark, USN 2. NEAR SHORE 127.1 Service Group U.K. Captain V. E. Korns, USN 127.1.1.5 USN Amphibious Supply Base, Exeter Comdr. V. F. Blakeslee, USNR 127.1.1.6 13th USNC Regiment Officer in Charge Comdr. L. J. Borstelmann, USNR 3. FAR SHORE 127.2 Service Group - West Captain W. M. Percifield, USN 127.2.1 Captured Ports Captain N. S. Ives, USN 127.2.2 25th USNC Regiment Captain C. W. Coryell, CEC, USN 127.2.2.1.1 25th USNC Regiment, Admin. HQ - OMAHA Comdr. V. W. Buhr, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.1.2 25th USNC Regiment, Admin. HW - Plymouth Lt. Cdr. P. W. Roberts, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.2 111th NCB Civ. Eng. Beach "O" Comdr. D. C. Jardine, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.2.1 111th NCB OIC Constr. Beach Camp "O" Lt. Cdr. W. C. Binkley, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.2.2 111th NCB Beach "O" Pontoon Oper. Officer Lt. Cdr. R. W. Schepers, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.2.3 1006th NCB Beach "O" OIC Causeways Lt. A. M. Zak, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.3 81st NCB Civ. Engineer Beach "U" Comdr. W. P. Greenawalt, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.3.1 81st NCB OIC Constr. Beach Camp "U" Lt. Cdr. R. W. Hollis, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.3.2 81st NCB Beach "U" Pontoon Oper. Officer Lt. Cdr. J. Baines, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.3.3 1006th NCB Beach "U" Lt. W. C. Pietz, CEC, USNR OIC Causeways 127.2.2.4 146th NCB Civ. Eng. POL Comdr. E. H. Gessner, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.4.1 146th NCB OIC POL Beach "O" Lt. (jg) C. A. King, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.4.2 146th NCB OIC POL Watson Lt. T. W. Oliver, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.4.3 146th NCB OIC POL Chatsworth Lt. D. S. Wilson, CEC, USNR 1272.2.5 108th NCB Civ. Eng. Mulberry Comdr. E. T. Collier, CEC, USNR 127.2.2.6 28th NCB Civ. Eng. DREW Units Lt. Cdr. J. H. Kopp, CEC, USNR 127.2.3 Service Group(NOIC) "O" Captain C. Camp, USNR 127.2.4 Service Group(NOIC) "U" Captain J. E. Arnold, USN 127.2.5 Service Control Captain E. C. Kline, USNR 4. OMAHA BEACH ORGANIZATION a. NOIC Organization Captain C. Camp, USNR Deputy NOIC Commander Yunger, USNR Port Director Operations Lt. Comdr. T. H. Morris, USNR Ferry Control Lt. F. D. Dudley, USNR Recovery & Repair Lt. T. A. Boulton, USNR POL Beach "O" Control Office Lt. (jg) C. A. King, CEC, USNR Construction Officer Comdr. D. C. Jardine, CEC, USNR Asst. Construction Officer Lt. Cdr. R. W. Schepers, CEC, USNR Navy Camp Lt. Cdr. W. C. Binkley, CEC, USNR Causeways Lt. A. M. Zak, CEC, USNR Pontoon Repair Barge Lt. L. H. Hesselden, CEC, USNR b. Ferry Control Lt. F. D. Dudley, USNR RHINO Ferries Lt. H. W. Hurd, CEC, USNR RHINO Ferries Lt. C. H. Batchelder, CEC, USNR Group No. 1 Leader 1st Watch Lt. L. M. Young, CEC, USNR 2nd Watch Lt. (jg) F. G. Jepson, CEC, USNR Division 1 Leader Lt. (jg) C. W. McElroy, CEC, USNR Lt. (jg) J. E. Essen, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 1 Ens. R. R. Schutt, CEC, USNR Carp. A. W. Kraft, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 2 Ens. J. A. Kovich, CEC, USNR Lt. (jg) J. A. Hall, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 3 Carp. J. S. Smith, CEC, USNR Ens. D. C. Nelson, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 4 Carp. H. D. Revelle, CEC, USNR Carp. J. J. Malone, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 5 Ens. C. R. Cutler, CEC, USNR Lt. (jg) R. C. Gustafson, CEC, USNR Division 2 Leader Ens. J. M. Eicher, CEC, USNR Carp. G. J. Rommer, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 6 Carp. M. C. O'Haver, CEC, USNR Ens. F. J. Hoeppner, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 7 Lt. (jg) R. H. Ricker, CEC, USNR Carp. E. N. Westwood, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 8 Carp. E. J. Roll, CEC, USNR Mach. M. R. Conran, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 9 Ens. G. Pagels, Jr., CEC, USNR Ens. D. K. Johnson, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 10 Ens. C. A. Hopkins, CEC, USNR Carp. R. J. Skaggs, CEC, USNR Group No. 2 Leader 1st Watch Lt. (jg) J. F. Henderson, CEC, USNR 2nd Watch Lt. E. B. Clay, CEC, USNR Division 3 Leader Lt. (jg) M. F. Moran, CEC, USNR Lt. (jg) S. K. Hill, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 11 Ens. L. C. Neubecker, CEC, USNR Ens. W. A. Johnson, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 12 Carp. J. D. Lamont, CEC, USNR Ens. H. E. Cobb, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 13 Ens. R. F. Burelbach, CEC, USNR Carp. J. V. Ware, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 14 Ens. G. J. Lynch, CEC, USNR Ens. M. C. Rollis, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 15 Carp. W. O. Davies, CEC, USNR Ens. L. L. Sheerar, CEC, USNR Division 4 Leader Carp. W. H. Gates, CEC, USNR Carp. W. G. Preschern, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 16 Ens. B. B. Robinson, CEC, USNR Carp. E. J. Kersteen, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 17 Ens. J. C. Heine, CEC, USNR Carp. H. P. Muller, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 18 Carp. W. W. Roberts, CEC, USNR Ens. R. H. Wettje, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 19 Ens. J. C. Gearhar, CEC, USNR Ens. J. P. Moore, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 20 Ens. R. J. Stilgenbauer, CEC, USNR c. Causeways - Officer in Charge Lt. A. M. Zeck, CEC, USNR Causeway No. 1 Lt. F. W. Gensch, CEC, USNR Carp. V. V. Lamb, CEC, USNR Tugs Carp. A. K. Butterfield, CEC, USNR Causeway No. 2 Lt. (jg) E. Sanders, CEC, USNR Carp. A. E. Kessler, CEC, USNR Tugs Carp. J. L. Wilson, CEC, USNR d. Maintenance and Repair Repair Barge, OinC. Lt. L. G. Hesselden, CEC, USNR Recovery & Repair - CO Lt. T. A. Boulton, USNR Dry Dock, OinC. Lt. A. G. Finnie, CEC, USNR e. MULBERRY Task Organization Information (Extract from 128 Mulberry Operation Order) 128 Commander MULBERRY "A" Captain A. D. Clark, USN 128.1 Control Group Lt. B. S. Stover, USNR 128.2 Gooseberry Group Comdr. C. R. Dennen, USNR 128.3 Towing & Installation Group Comdr. C. R. Dennen, USNR 128.4 Bombardon Group Commander Ord, USNR 128.5 108th Constr. Battalion Comdr. E. T. Collier, CEC, USNR 128.5.1 Phoenix Unit Lt. N. H. Twitchell, CEC, USNR 128.5.2 Pierhead Unit Lt. W. F. Larsen, CEC, USNR 128.5.3 Bridging Unit Lt. H. Stevens, CEC, USNR 128.6 Administration Dispatch Group Lt. Comdr. E. A. Fintel, USNR 128.8.1 Gooseberry Survey Unit No. 1 Lt. (jg) W. J. Matthews, CEC, USNR 128.8.2 Gooseberry Survey Unit No. 2 Carp. L. S. Taylor, CEC, USNR f. Beach Camp Officer in Charge of Construction and Operation of Beach Camp Lt. Cdr. W. C. Binkley, CEC, USNR Medical Officer Lt. Cdr. W. G. Ball, MC, USNR Dental Officer Lt. G. E. Ewan, DC, USNR Chaplain Lt. D. F. Griffin, Chc, USNR Jr. Medical Officer Lt. (jg) H. R. Corwin, MC, USNR Personnel Officer Lt. (jg) J. F. Elliott, CEC, USNR Supply Officer Lt. (jg) J. A. Hallan, SC, USNR Asst. Personnel Officer Ens. W. E. Byrnes, CEC, USNR Construction Officer Lt. Cdr. W. J. Byrnes, CEC, USNR Asst. Construction Officer Lt. (jg) C. Y. Hitchcock, CEC, USNR Asst. Construction Officer Carp. J. J. McCarthy, CEC, USNR Subsistence Officer Lt. (jg) R. K. Chalmers, SC, USNR 5. UTAH BEACH ORGANIZATION a. NOIC Organization Captain J. E. Arnold, USNR Deputy NOIC Lt. Comdr. C. G. Raible, USNR Construction Officer Comdr. W. P. Greenawalt, CEC, USNR Asst. Construction Officer Lt. Cdr. J. Baines, CEC, USNR Navy Camp Lt. Cdr. R. W. Hollis, CEC, USNR Causeways Lieut. W. Pietz, CEC, USNR Pontoon Repair Barge Carp. L. H. McClain, CEC, USNR Port Director Lieut. S. W. Baker, USNR Operations Lieut. S. Nolan, USNR Ferry Control Lieut. V. M. L. Keonig, USNR Recovery & Repairs Lieut. G. F. Harold, USNR Communications Lt. (jg) W. E. McDonald, USNR POL Lieut. A. A. O'Rourke, USNR Dispatch Boats Lieut. H. D. Sherman, USNR b. Ferry Control Lieut. V. M. L. Koenig, USNR RHINO Ferries Lieut. W. R. Barrows, CEC, USNR RHINO Ferries Lt. (jg) J. A. Rives, Jr., CEC, USNR Group 3 Leader Lieut. T. N. Creacy, CEC, USNR Division 5 Leader Lieut. D. Johnston, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 21 Lt. (jg) G. Johnson, CEC, USNR Ens. T. F. Sharp, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 22 Lt. (jg) R. Johnston, CEC, USNR Ens. G. Sorensen, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 23 Ens. R. L. Hall, CEC, USNR Ens. W. V. Jones, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 24 Ens. D. Mann, CEC, USNR Ens. H. Glagett, CEC, USNR Division 6 Leader Lt. (jg) R. H. Lubker, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 25 Ens. B. R. Magruder, CEC, USNR Ens. P. G. Thomas, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 26 Ens. W. F. Lee, CEC, USNR Ens. T. A. Fisher, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 27 Ens. W. Johnson, CEC, USNR Ens. G. Shepard, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 28 Carp. E. Webb, CEC, USNR Carp. F. Walden, CEC, USNR Division 7 Leader Lt. (jg) C. T. Curran, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 29 Lt. (jg) A. McElroy, CEC, USNR Ens. W. A. Slagle, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 30 Carp. W. G. Wear, CEC, USNR Carp. W. R. Wootin, CEC, USNR Ferry No. 31 Carp. R. T. Peck, CEC, USNR Carp. P. Hartigan, CEC, USNR c. Causeways - Officer in Charge Lieut. W. C. Pietz, CEC, USNR Causeway No. 3 Lieut. G. Shanahan, CEC, USNR Ens. L. H. Lobenstein, CEC, USNR Tugs Lt. (jg) E. H. Haley, CEC, USNR Causeway No. 4 Ch. Carp. R. A. Look, CEC, USNR Ch. Carp. F. L. Collins, CEC, USNR Tugs Carp. W. A. Smith, CEC, USNR d. Maintenance and Repair Repair Barge Carp. L. H. McClain, CEC, USNR Recovery and Repair Lt. G. F. Harold, USNR Drydock, Officer in Charge Lt. Cdr. R. L. Roberts, CEC, USNR e. Beach Camp Officer in Charge, Construction and Operation Beach Camp Lt. Cdr. R. W. Hollis, CEC, USNR Sr. Medical Officer Comdr. R. D. Anderson, MC, USNR Dental Officer Lt. Cdr. S. F Buxton, Jr., DC, USNR Jr. Medical Officer Lieut. D. E. Butman, MC, USNR Asst. Construction Officer Lt. (jg) W. S. Clark, CEC, USNR Supply Officer Ens. W. E. Allen, SC, USNR Chaplain Lieut. L. A. Gemmel, Chc, USNR Cargo & Transp. Officer Lt. (jg) V. R. Schmidt, CEC, USNR Asst. Constr. & Pers. Officer Ens. V. C. Squires, D(V)S, USNR Subsistence Officer Ens. W. A. Allen, SC, USNR Part II - NEAR SHORE PLAN 1. General Information a. The 13th U. S. Naval Construction Regiment shall, as a general policy, be charged with and perform all construction and maintenance work on the Near Shore. They shall also be charged with and furnish all logistical support to the 25th U. S. Naval Construction Regiment on the Far Shore. b. The 25th U. S. Naval Construction Regiment shall, as a general policy, be charged with and perform all construction and maintenance work on the Far Shore. The 25th Construction Regiment shall close out its construction work on 31 May 1944, and prepare personnel for Far Shore Operations. The remaining construction work, together with personnel available, shall be turned over to the 13th Construction Regiment for completion. c. The construction battalions going to the Far Shore shall leave their office equipment, supplies, files and personal gear at their camps in the United Kingdom. They shall leave a small custodian crew for the safekeeping of their gear and equipment. The following Seabee Camps shall be kept open for this purpose. Teignmouth 28th CB Falmouth (Beacon Hill) 81st CB Heathfield (Newton Abbot) 108th CB Plymouth (Efford Camp) 146th CB Plymouth (Efford Camp) 111th CB Fowey 1006th CB 2. Transportation a. Seabee Pontoon Equipment The following is a summary of Pontoon Equipment being used by the Seabees in this plan for which transportation will be required: OMAHA UTAH RESERVE TOTAL RHINO Ferries (RHF) 20 11 5 36 RHINO Tugs (RHT) 20 11 5 36 Sunken Causeways (RSC) 28 28 56 Causeway Blisters (RCB) 16 16 32 Causeway Tugs (RCT) 6 6 12 Warping Tugs (Causeway) (RWT) 2 2 4 Warping Tugs (Beach Salvage) (RWT) 4 2 6 *Warping Tugs (Mulberry) 2 2 Drydocks (475-ton each) (RDD) 1 1 2 4 RHINO Repair Barge (RRB) 1 1 2 MULBERRY Erection & Salvage 1 1 Lighter * TF-128 will provide own tow b. Beach OMAHA - The following transportation, with phasing as shown, has been authorized for the Seabee personnel and equipment used: (1) Phasing Equipment Personnel Marshaling Marshaling Transported Crews Off. Men Area Date by Arrive Single Crews for 20 RHF and 20 RHT 27 100 Portland 20 May Towing LST D 6 Causeway Tugs 0 42 Falmouth 2 June Towing LST D+1 6 Warping Tugs 0 48 Fowey 2 June Towing LST D+1 Relief Crews RHINO Milford- "BERNARD Ferries and Tugs 30 562 Haven 2 June CARTER" D+1 Causeway No. 1 4 68 Falmouth 2 June Towing LST D+1 Repair Barge 1 80 Fowey 2 June Towing LST D+1 Camp Construction 6 90 Milford- 2 June "ELEAZAR D+1 Haven WHEELOCK" Causeway No. 2 1 40 Weymouth 2 June Towing LST D+3 Camp Operation 20 400 Plymouth Army Lift D+3 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - (2) TOWING ASSIGNMENTS FOR OMAHA (a) RHINO Ferries: Crew RHF LST Crew RHF LST 1 1 314 11 11 502 2 2 357 12 12 51 3 3 376 13 13 133 4 4 374 14 14 34 5 5 375 15 15 285 6 6 6 16 16 286 7 7 316 17 17 157 8 8 310 18 18 347 9 9 315 19 19 350 10 10 317 20 20 75 (b) Causeway No. 1 6 Tows - each 1 (2x30) Causeway and 1 (3x7) Tug. 8 Tows - each 1 (2x30) Causeway and 1 (4x12) Blister. 3 Tows - each 2 Warping Tugs in tandem. 1 Tow - 1 (6x24) Repair Barge (c) Causeway No. 2 6 Tows - each 1 (2x30) Causeway 8 Tows - each 1 (2x30) Causeway and 1 (4x12) Blister. c. Beach UTAH The following transportation with phasing as shown has been authorized for the Seabee personnel and equipment used: (1) Phasing Equipment Personnel Marshaling Marshaling Transported Crews Off. Men Area Date by Arrive 1st and Relief 10 RHF and 10 RHT 25 500 Dartmouth 25 May Towing LST D 1st and Relief Towing 1 RHF and 1 RHT 2 50 Salcombe 25 May LST and RHF D Causeway No. 3 3 65 Salcombe) 2 June Towing LST D+1 Falmouth) 6 Causeway Tugs 1 42 Falmouth 2 June Towing LST D+1 4 Warping Tugs 0 32 Helford 2 June Towing LST D+1 Repair Barge 1 80 Salcombe 2 June Towing LST D+1 Relief Crews 0 64 Milford Haven 2 June "THOMAS ROBERTSON" D+1 Camp Construction 3 50 Milford Haven 2 June "THOMAS ROBERTSON" D+1 Camp Operation 12 200 Falmouth Army Lift D+3 Causeway No. 4 1 40 Weymouth Towing LST D+4 (2) TOWING ASSIGNMENTS FOR UTAH (a) RHINO Ferries: Crew RHF LST Crew RHF LST 21 21 282 26 26 311 22 22 230 27 27 346 23 23 48 28 28 371 24 24 47 29 29 283 25 25 281 30 30 49 31 31 501 (b) Causeway No. 3 6 Tows - each 1 (2x30) Causeway and 1 (3x7) Tug. 8 Tows - each 1 (2x30 Causeway and 1 (4x12) Blister. 2 Tows - each 2 Warping Tugs in tandem. 1 Tow - 1 (6x24) Repair Barge. (c) Causeway No. 4 6 Tows - each 1 (2x30) Causeway. 8 Tows - each 1 (2x30) Causeway and 1 (4x12) Blister. (d) Captured Ports Seabee personnel and equipment for Captured Ports: Company B plus 1/2 of the Headquarters Company of 28th Construction Battalion are now in the marshaling area (Base II) for the first Major Drew. Additional personnel and equipment will be supplied as needed. Part III. FAR SHORE PLAN - The 25th Construction Regiment is charged with all Seabee activities on Far Shore. 1. Mission a. Furnish the personnel, engineering service and logistical support for the installation and the operation of the artificial harbor at Beach "O" (Phoenix). b. Furnish the personnel, engineering services and logistical support for the installation and operation of the pierheads and the floating bridging at Beach "O" (Whale). c. Operate the RHINO Ferries (RHF) and RHINO Tugs (RHT) at both beaches "O" and "U". d. Construct and operate the Pontoon Causeways (Spoke) at both beaches "O" and "U". e. Operate the Pontoon Warping Tugs at both Beaches "O" and "U". f. Operate the RHINO Repair Barges at both Beaches "O" and "U". g. Operate the Pontoon Dry Docks at both Beaches "O" and "U". h. Provide, construct, operate and maintain Naval P.O.L. installations on Far Shore. i. Construct and maintain DREW units on Far Shore. j. Construct and operate Naval Camps on both Beaches "O" and "U". k. Prepare plans and construct other Naval facilities as required. 2. Personnel a. Officer Personnel BATTALIONS REGIMENT 28 81 108 111 146 1006 25th TOTAL (1) MULBERRY "O" Beach 29 Phoenix 6 Sinking Teams Riding Teams Pierheads 7 Bridging 6 Erection and Repair Inspection Administration 10 (2) Survey Crew 2 2 (3) "O" Beach 81 RHINO Ferries (RHF) 54 Repair Barges (RRB) 2 Warping Tugs (RWT) Causeways (RC) 4 Causeway Tugs (RCT) 1 DUKW's or Alligators Drydocks 2 Camp Construction 4 Camp Operation 7 1 Administration 2 4 (4) "U" Beach 29 RHINO Ferries 40 Repair Barges 1 Warping Tugs Causeways 4 Causeway Tugs 2 DUKW's or Alligators Drydocks Camp Construction 3 Camp Operation 8 Administration 2 1 (5) DREW 24 24 (6) POL 23 23 (7) 25th USN Constr. Regiment 6 Admin. Headquarters Beach "O" 4 Headquarters Detach. Beach "U" 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL: 24 56 29 71 23 16 7 226 b. Enlisted Personnel (1) MULBERRY "O" Beach Phoenix - Placing Teams 3 @ 20 - 60 - Riding Teams 48 @ 6 - 288 348 Pierheads 6 @ 22 - 132 132 Bridging Erection and Repair Crews 3 @ 40 - 120 Inspection Crews 24 @ 4 - 96 216 Administration 104 ----- 800* (2) Survey Crew (81st NCB) 8* (3) "O" Beach Men No. No.of Per Total B A T T A L I O N UNITS Req'd Crews Crew Men 28 111 1006 TOTAL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RHINO Ferries 20 45 25 1000 75 925 1000 Repair Barge 1 2 40 80 80 80 Warping Tugs 7 14 8 12 112 112 Causeways 2 1 80 80 80 Causeway Tugs 4 8 7 56 56 56 DUKW's or Alligators 8 16 2 32 32 32 Camp Construction 90 90 Beach Camp Operation 50 196 16 262 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL: 327 1233 152 1712* (4) "U" Beach Men No. No.of Per Total B A T T A L I O N UNITS Req'd Crews Crew Men 28 81 1006 TOTAL RHINO Ferries 11 22 25 550 550 550 Repair Barge 1 2 40 80 80 80 Warping Tugs 5 10 8 80 80 80 Causeway 2 1 80 80 80 80 Causeway Tugs 4 8 7 56 56 56 DUKW's or Alligators 8 16 2 32 32 32 Camp Construction 50 50 Beach Camp Operation 10 128 16 154 -------------------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL: 140 790 152 1082* (5) DREW (28th NCB) 438 438* (6) POL (146th NCB) 521* (7) 25th U. S. Naval Construction Regiment 6* 3. Operations a. General Instructions (1) Accommodations Afloat - Bunks, meals, small stores, canteen stores, emergency survivor's kits, mail, limited recreation, church and sick bay facilities will be provided by the accommodation ship, "ELEAZAR WHEELOCK" for Beach "O" and the "THOMAS ROBERTSON" for Beach "U". (2) Naval Beach Camps (a) Capacity and Location OMAHA - 6000 men, located on elevated land behind Fox Red Beach. UTAH - 3000 men, located on elevated beach behind Uncle Red Beach. (b) Construction and Operation The camps will consist of places where Naval personnel may bivouac in pup tents or sleeping bags. These camps will be erected by Task Unit 127.2.2.2.1 (111th NCD) for Beach "O" and Task Unit 127.2.2.3.1 (81st NCD) for Beach "U". Tents, latrines, limited messing facilities and other services will be constructed by the above Task Units and operated by the Officers-in-Charge of the 111th and 81st NCB, respectively, under the direction of the NOIC of each beach concerned. (c) Messing Ashore. All Naval personnel ashore will be provided meals at the Naval Beach Camps. Seabee personnel have been assigned the duties of supervising and operating the messes at the two beach camps. The Army will furnish rations to the Navy ashore from Class I Beach Dumps. Afloat. Personnel of Ferry Craft (RHINO) which do not have subsistence facilities, will procure prepared meals from depot ships accommodation ships, LBK's or any ship which the craft is serving. (d) Water Only water issued by the Army or Navy or carried in cans from the United Kingdoms will be considered safe. All other water will be treated by unit or individual chlorination. (3) Establishing of Headquarters - Naval Construction units will establish headquarters in the Naval Beach Camps as follows: (a) "O" Beach: 108th Naval Construction Battalion 111th Naval Construction Battalion 146th Naval Construction Battalion Detachment 1006th Naval Construction Battalion Detachment (b) "U" Beach: 81st Naval Construction Battalion 1006th Naval Construction Battalion Detachment The 25th Naval Construction Regiment Advance Headquarters will be established as soon as possible after the assault phase, on Beachhead "O" with a branch Headquarters at Beach "U". Each headquarters will be located near the NOIC and will render all possible assistance to the operation. (4) Casualty Replacements (a) Afloat - as follows: 1 - Mount ship carrying a Medical Officer. 2 - Ashore for treatment by Army Medical Staff. 3 - First Aid treatment on craft. (b) Ashore - The Army medical service is responsible for collection and treatment of all personnel landward of the high-water mark on landing beaches irrespective of their service. Navy casualties ashore or brought to shore will be handled through normal evacuation channels. (5) (There was no (5)) (6) Gas Defense The officer or petty officer in charge of each Seabee unit is responsible for assuring that all personnel are trained in gas defense and provided with the necessary Anti- Gas equipment. (7) Decontamination - of RHF, RHT, RWT, RCT The Officer-in-Charge of each craft is responsible for the decontamination of his craft. (8) Mail Mailing addresses for construction battalions do not change when the organizations move to the Far Shore. The Fleet Post Office will be advised that after D-Day, mail for battalions in the 25th Regiment is to be routed to the new locations as indicated below: 25th U. S. Naval Const. Regiment - Plymouth 28th U. S. Naval Const. Battalion - Teignmouth 81st U. S. Naval Const. Battalion - Beach "U" 108th U. S. Naval Const. Battalion - Beach "O" 111th U. S. Naval Const. Battalion - Beach "O" 146th U. S. Naval Const. Battalion - Plymouth 1006th U. S. Naval Const. Batt. Detach. - Beach "O" THE ABOVE LOCATIONS WILL NOT BE USED AS MAILING ADDRESSES All mailing addresses for personnel of construction battalions will be ___th U. S. Naval Construction Battalion, Fleet Post Office, New York, New York. NO OTHER ADDRESSES WILL BE USED. b. MULBERRY "A" - (See MULBERRY "A" Operation Order 1-44, dtd. 18 May '44 Task Unit 127.2.2.5 (108th Naval Construction Battalion) will man and install the Phoenix and Whale elements of MULBERRY "A" as directed by Commander MULBERRY "A". This group will be temporarily assigned to duty with Task Force 128 for the above purpose, reporting to Commander MULBERRY "A" for duty, and assigned Task Group 128.5. The 25th U. S. Naval Construction Regiment will provide administrative and logistic assistance. Upon completion of duties assigned, Task Unit 127.2.2.5 will report to the Officer in Charge of the 25th Regiment for re- assignment. 108th Construction Battalion personnel remaining in or returning to the United Kingdom will proceed and report to the Officer in Charge of the Construction Battalion Receiving Center, Heathfield, Devon, for reoutfitting and reactivating. c. CREWS OF PONTOON EQUIPMENT The following crews with their positions shown are authorized for RHINO Ferries, RHINO Tugs, Causeway Tugs and Warping Tugs: (1) RHINO Ferries (36) - 18 one crew, 36 double crew. 1 Officer in Charge 1 Boatswain (CPO) 2 Coxswains 1 Shipfitter 1 Motor Mechanic 1 Signalman 1 Corpsman 8 Deckhands 1 Bulldozer Operator 1 Bulldozer Attendant (2) RHINO Tugs (36) - 7 one crew, 14 double crew. 1 Boatswain (CPO) 2 Coxswains 1 Signalman 3 Deckhands (3) Causeway Tugs (12) - 7 one crew, 14 double crew. 1 Boatswain 2 Coxswains 1 Signalman 3 Deckhands (4) Warping Tugs ( 12) - 8 one crew, 16 double crew. 1 Boatswain (CPO) 2 Coxswains 1 Machinist Mate 1 Signalman 3 Deckhands d. Equipment Allowances (1) Authorized: To provide standard equipage for all craft and equipment being assembled and manned by the Seabees, allowance lists were authorized for the following equipment: RHINO Ferries - RHF Warping Tug RHINO Tugs - RHT Causeway Tug Repair Barge - RHB Pierhead - Mulberry Causeway Unit Phoenix - Mulberry Causeway Blister Bridges - Mulberry (2) Replacement. Procurement of items appearing on the allowance list for replacement will be accomplished by the Supply Officers of the Seabee Administrative groups on Beaches "O" and "U" respectively. These officers shall contact local sources directly and shall call on the 25th Regiment for any necessary aid. e. Pontoon Equipment. Drinking (1) General Information. Petrol Oil Water (a) P.O.L. Capacities. Gallons Gallons Gallons RHINO Ferries 2500 10 25 RHINO Tugs 250 10 25 Causeway Tugs 100 5 10 Warping Tugs 100 5 10 (b) Refueling will be accomplished as directed by the Ferry Control from LST's, Tankers, LBO's and Army Class III Beach Dumps. Water will be supplies from LST's, LBW's and Army Beach facilities. Obtain fuel and water in the following order. First, at ship being unloaded; secondly, at oil barge or water barge; in emergency at Army Beach Dump. Empty Gasoline and Lubricant cans will be unloaded on the beach. Empty water cans will be returned in exchange for full cans. Care will be exercised to keep from polluting water cans. (c) Bad Weather. When the weather is too bad for unloading and when pontoon craft are not required for work, they will proceed in accordance with instructions of the Ferry Control to the lee provided by the Gooseberries and secure to the Corncobs. (d) Defects. All officers and coxswains in charge of pontoon equipment will report defects to the Ferry Control Officer who will arrange with the RHINO Repair Barge or the Maintenance Officer for the necessary repairs. (2) RHINO Ferries. (a) Description - The RHINO Ferry is a self-propelled pontoon barge (6x30), (41' wide - 176' long) designed for the transportation of equipment and general cargo. It has 18" empty and 42" loaded draft and has a net capacity of 300 tons. They are particularly adapted for unloading vehicular equipment from ships onto shallow beaches. (b) Instructions - The RHINO Ferries are assigned to Task Force "O" and "U" for towing from the marshaling areas to the Far Shore Beaches. They are an integral part of the Ferry Service and will operate under the above Task Forces during the Assault Phase and under the NOIC's of the two beaches after the assault phase. COMLANCRAB11thPHIB Order No. 29, dated 29 March 1944, Standard Operating Procedure for Towing and Marrying RHINO Ferries will govern. (c) For Beach "O", the towing LST's will lift only the first operating crews, who will at the prescribed time be disembarked at the destination onto the RHINO Ferries and RHINO Tugs. They will then proceed and report to the Ferry Control for duty. During the tows, a minimum crew from the first crew will ride on each RHINO Ferry and Tug. The relief crews will be lifted by the "BERNARD CARTER" and delivered at the destination on D / 1. The relief crews will be disembarked and placed aboard the RHF and RHT in accordance with instructions from the Ferry Control. The first crews at that time will proceed to the accommodation ship in accordance with arrangements previously made by the Ferry Control. (d) For Beach "U", the towing LST's will lift both the first and relief operating crews, at the same time. During the tow, a minimum crew fro the relief crew will ride on each RHINO Ferry and Tug. At the destination and at the prescribed time, the first crew will disembark onto the RHINO Ferries and Tugs. They will then proceed and report to the Ferry Control for duty. The relief crew will at the same time be picked up by LCI's or the accommodation ship for housing until they are needed for relief of the first crew. (3) Causeways and Tugs. (a) Description - There will be 4 sunken causeways, 2 at each beach with 8 blisters each. Each causeway will be made up of 14 (2x30) (14' wide, 176' long, 5' high) sections making a total length of 2450 feet. The blisters are (4x12) sunken stages, staggered on alternate sides. The spacing shall be that required to get about 2 1/2 feet difference in elevation between stages. That will be about 250 feet staggered or 500 feet between stages on each side. At each beach, the causeways will be placed one at a time, placing will begin on the first high tide. The Army has tentatively established coordinates for the causeway as follows: #1Alt. 666906 Beach "O" No. 1 672903 No. 2 691895 #2Alt.687893 Beach "U" No. 3 430000 No. 4 453967 #4Alt.420010 (b) Uses of Causeway. 1. The causeway is designed to permit LCT Mk.4, and Mk.6 and RHINO Ferries to discharge unwaterproofed vehicles at any state of tide. 2. The time during which any one "blister" can be used varies, of course, with the beach slope and range of the tide, but ample time for discharging one LCT or RHF may be expected under the worse conditions. In many cases, it should be possible to work several craft during the available period of one blister and at times two blisters may be worked together. (c) Instructions for Operation of Causeway. 1. Each causeway will have three tugs to assist LCT in berthing and unberthing. When instructed to berth, the LCT should "bring to" one cable from the seaward end of the causeway. Two tugs will then come off and make fast alongside. 2. A causeway pilot will board the LCT and assist the C.O. in berthing and controlling the tugs as required. 3. No kedge will be used, but the LCT should run a headline onto the "blister" as soon as possible, the tugs holding her in position as necessary, under the direction of the pilot. 4. As soon as vehicles have disembarked and the ramp is hoisted, the LCT is maneuvered away from the causeway by the tugs. Tugs should let go as soon as the craft is well clear of the causeway and the LCT should turn outwards away from the causeway in order to avoid the next craft approaching. (d) Limitations due to weather. The limiting weather conditions are dictated by the capabilities of the pontoon ugs which assist LCT to berth and unberth. A cross wind of force 3 to 4 and a cross set of 1 knot at the same time may be taken as a limit with a reasonable factor of safety. In exceptional circumstances, these conditions could no doubt be exceeded. (e) Signals. The following signals are to be employed: 1. FLAG P (International) by LCT. - "Ready for Tugs". Note: (To be hoisted by each LCT as she approaches causeway and is ready to berth. P is to be made by shaded lamp at night.) 2. FLAG C (International) by LCT. - "Intend to berth". Note: (C to be made by shaded lamp at night.) 3. GREEN HAND FLAG (Green light at night) will be shown from the causeway in position at which LCT is to berth. 4. RED HAND FLAG (Red light at night) will be shown form the causeway to indicate: "Do not berth, remain off causeway." 5. FLAG V (International) by LCT. "Require additional tug or other assistance." (4) Warping Tugs (12). The warping tugs consist of a pontoon barge with a 9000-lb. Anchor, a two drum hoist with 1000 feet 1 1/8 inch steel anchor cable forward and a 1000 feet 1 1/8 steel pulling cable aft and two inboard propulsion units. They are designed for pulling broached boats, etc. off the beach. There are 12 in number and distributed as follows: Beach "O" Beach "U" Mulberry 2 0 Recovery and Repair 4 2 Causeway 2 2 These warping tubs are manned with Seabee operators, and they operate under the control of the activity to which they are assigned. (5) RHINO Repair Barges (2) The RHINO Repair Barge consists of a (6x24) pontoon barge with two 5-ton cranes and a tool house. It is designed for work in repairing pontoon equipment and replacing their motors. There are two in number; one at each beach. They will operate under the Salvage and Repair Officer with Civil Engineer Officers in direct charge. (6) Drydocks. The drydocks consist of two large pontoon docks, one on each beach. They are designed for repairing surface craft up to and including the LCT class. They will operate under the Salvage and Repair Officer with Civil Engineer Officer in direct charge. f. Captured Ports (DREW) The first three captured ports are expected to include one major and two one-half minor DREW units. Task Unit 127.2.2.6 (28 NCB) is assigned these projects and will stage from Base II. g. P.O.L. Task Unit 127.2.2.4 (146th NCB), a Seabee Battalion of 23 officers and 521 men especially trained in the industry has been set up for the construction, maintenance and operation of the Navy POL installation on the Far Shore. The battalion is based at Plymouth where the POL units are assembled and packaged for quick installation on the Far Shore. The following installations are contemplated at ports as shown: Fuel Oil Diesel Barrels Barrels Gasoline Water ------------------------------------------------------------- MARDOC 0 20,000 5,000 WATSON 70,000 20,000 5,000 CHATSWORTH 0 15,000 2,000 RIDGEMONT 100,000 30,000 2,000 MALVERN 100,000 30,000 5,000 SEABEE OPERATION PLAN CTU 127.2.2 No. 1944 27 May 1944
DISTRIBUTION LIST
SHAEF 5 OinC 13th Construction LCI(L) Flotilla Commanders ANXCF 10 Regiment 2 2 each CinC AEAF 2 OinC 25th Construction Group Commanders Regiment 2 2 each U. S. Navy: OinC 28th Const. Batt. 6 Division Commanders OinC 81st Const. Batt. 6 1 each COMNAVEU 5 OinC 108th Const. Batt. 6 Commanding Officers NCWTF 5 OinC 111th Const. Batt. 6 1 each Commander Force O 5 OinC 146th Const. Batt. 6 LCT Flotilla Commander Force U 5 OinC 1006th Const. Batt. 2 Commanders 2 each Commander Force B 5 BuDocks 2 Group Commander Force DIRLANTDOCKS 2 Commanders 2 each MULBERRY 2 CO Force Flagship PCS Commander Support (WNTF) 1 ATs 1 each Force 2 COMBATDIVDIVE 2 ATRs 1 each Commander Salvage & CO USS ARKANSAS 2 ARLs 1 each Fire-fighting group 2 CO USS TEXAS 2 ARSs 1 each Commander Fighter CO USS NEVADA 2 YMS 1 each Director 2 COMCRUDIVSEVEN 3 Yms 1 each Commander Gunfire CO USS TUSCALOOSA 2 SCs 1 each Support Craft 10 CO French Cruiser HDML's and MLs 1 each Service Groups UK 20 MONTCALM 1 ADs 1 each Service Groups West 10 CO French Cruiser USS NITRO 2 Service Groups O 5 GEORGES LEYGUES 1 USS MT. BAKER 2 Service Groups U 5 COMDESRON 17 2 USS ARIEL 2 CO Captured Ports 5 COMDESDIV 33 1 USS MELVILLE 4 Shuttle Control 3 COMDESDIV 34 1 SS BERNARD CARTER 2 BUCO 5 COMDESRON 18 2 COMINCH 8 COMDESDIV 35 1 CNO 2 COUSNAB-Falmouth 2 COMDESDIV 36 1 CINCLANT 1 COUSNAATSB-Fowey 1 CO DDs (US) 1 Each COMSERFORLANT 1 COUSNAAB-Plymouth 2 CO SOEMBA 2 CinCPac 1 COUSNAB-Dartmouth 2 COMCORTDIV 47 COMNAVNAW 2 COMBASE II 2 (in USS BORUM) 1 COM8THPHIB 1 COUSNAB-Milford CO USS MALOY COM5THPHIB 1 Haven 1 (DE 791) 1 COUSNAAB-Salcombe 1 COMMTBRON 2 1 U. S. Army: COMMTBRON 34 1 ETOUSA 13 COUSNAAMSB-Pernarth 1 CG Rescue Flotilla 5 ETOUSA - SOS 10 COUSNAAMB-Nore 2 COMTRANSDIV 1 3 Transportation COUSNAAB-Poole 2 COMTRANSDIV 3 3 Corps 7 COUSNAAB-South COMTRANSDIV 5 3 FUSAG 5 Hampton 2 COMTRANSDIV 7 3 CG FUSA 10 COUSNAB-Portland- APA's 1 Each CG TUSA 3 Weymouth 3 XAP's 1 Each CG V Corps 3

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SeabeeCook Publishing, Shingle Springs, CA.
Last update: August 1, 1996 at 2000

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