By Steffen Klenk
Ocean City residents have witnessed some unusual things wash ashore over the years.
I’ve seen several channel markers, buoys, and plane landings on the water, sand, and bridge. And now I can add duck boats (of sorts) to the list.
It’s not every day that you see a pair of amphibious military vehicles land on the beach, but that’s exactly what residents in Ocean City’s South Ends saw on Friday, May 27.
The two Vietnam War-era duck boats had spent several weeks beached in Brigantine awaiting repairs. The crew was expected to dock in Cape May last Friday, until heavy fog moved in and changed their plans.
John Hennage of Montross, Va., is one of the captains of the amphibious landing craft.
“We looked at the weather; we knew there were thunderstorms, but that really doesn’t matter,” Hennage said.
After a thick blanket of fog rolled in, the crew of five made the decision to land ashore near 53rd Street.
“We got to the point where we couldn’t see each other, and at that point, the best thing to do is just come to the beach.”
The two LARC-LX vehicles, named Big Jack and Wild Sally, were built in the late ’50s and early ’60s. They were originally used by the U.S. Army for military operations during the Vietnam War.
The LARC, which stands for Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo, can carry more than 100 tons of cargo or approximately 200 people.
The vehicles began active service in 1967 to support the 101st Airborne Division and 1st Cavalry Division. On the water, they have a top speed of 6 knots. By land, the vehicles can travel up to 20 mph.
The two vehicles came from Staten Island, where they were being upgraded and retrofitted. Hennage, a Marine Corps engineer, said he has been working on this project for several years.
“I went through all the engines and drivetrains and figured out how to use them using the army manuals,” he said.
Because of the vehicles’ age and use of analog technology, the gauges, oil pressure and temperature must be checked manually.
Prior to landing in Brigantine, an onboard problem forced the two vehicles to come ashore on Island Beach State Park for up to a week. As the crew made their way back in the ocean, they discovered issues with the thermostat, prompting another landing on the Brigantine beach.
“Unfortunately, it’s taken about two weeks to get here. It should have taken us three days.”
As of Saturday, May 28 the two vehicles were en route to Cape May.
“We’ve got a location where we’ll get them out of the water and they’ll sit out for about a month.”
After that, the crew plans to resume their journey with one final trek to the Chesapeake Bay, where the amphibious vehicles will be used in marine construction.
As for Hennage, the unexpected landing gave him and his crew the opportunity to spend some time in the resort community.
“I’m going to get a bite to eat at Sack O’ Subs and see a little bit of the town before heading out,” he said.
You never know what you’re going to find on the beaches of the Jersey Shore.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
