CHAPTER V

FOLLOW UP - THE SUPPORT PERIOD AT OMAHA AND UTAH BEACHES



	Following the initial invasion period, Seabee activities on Omaha and Utah Beaches 
consisted primarily of the operation and maintenance of Rhino Ferries, causeways and the beach 
camps. Such operations were conducted around-the-clock with Rhino crews standing watches of 
48 hours on and 48 hours off. Small crews' accommodations were constructed on each Rhino for 
this purpose. Beach Ferry Control offices were established on each beach, which contributed 
materially to the effective use of the Rhinos. Storm condition of lesser intensity than those 
described in the previous chapter, were experienced on 22 July, 26 August, 7 October and 21 
October.

	The peak periods, while not reaching the totals achieved during the first ten days of 
operation on the beaches, were considered creditable. During the period 8 to 15 July at Omaha 
Beach, while operating 20 Rhinos, 4500 vehicles and 20,000 tons of bulk cargo were handled. 
The peak at Utah was reached between 22 and 29 July when 3500 vehicles were brought ashore 
by eleven Rhinos. (Figures 3, 4 and 5). Personnel were unloaded continuously over the 
causeways on both beaches, but unfortunately no records were maintained.

	The 1006th CB Detachment operating causeways were relieved of the operation and 
maintenance of these units on 10 July and returned to the U. K. for transportation to the United 
States. The Army took over the operation and maintenance of the causeways with such 
assistance s was required by the 111th Battalion, at Omaha, and the 81st at Utah Beach.

	The original plan called for the operation of the beaches for approximately ninety days 
after D-Day, or through the middle of September, and therefore pup tent facilities only were 
provided. As logistic support demanded the operation of the beaches beyond the originally 
specified period, a limited winterizing program was approved, and pyramidal tents, Quonset hut 
showers and latrine buildings, laundries and a recreation building were authorized for each beach. 
These facilities were completed in late September.

	The first section of the 111th Battalion departed Omaha Beach on 8 October for return to 
the U. K. and transportation to the United States. The second section departed from Omaha 
Beach on 18 October when relieved by the 69th Battalion, who took over the operation and 
maintenance of Rhinos, causeways and beach camp facilities.

	The 81st Construction Battalion continued the operation of Rhinos and beach camp 
facilities until relieved by the 114th Construction Battalion. The first section of the 81st Battalion 
departed Utah Beach on 6 October and the second section on 18 October for return to the U. K. 
and transportation to the United States.

	The MULBERRY installation on Omaha Beach was discontinued on about 25 July, at 
which time the remaining pierheads and bridge trains were salvaged and sent to MULBERRY B, 
at Arromanches, France. Several damaged pierheads were towed to Southampton, England for 
repair and further use. The artificial harbor elements, reinforced by the addition of PHOENIXES 
and GOOSEBERRIES at Omaha, the GOOSEBERRIES at Utah, continued to give service 
throughout the remainder of the operations on the beach; however, suffering damage during each 
storm.

	The 69th Battalion continued to operate the Rhino Ferries until it was determined that due 
to increasing number of storms and their intensity, with the resultant inoperative days on the 
beaches, that the Rhinos could well be used at other locations. Consequently, six Rhino Ferries 
were towed to Cherbourg and placed in operation by the 114th Battalion, and 21 Rhino Ferries 
were towed to LeHavre. Of these, eleven were made available for use, and ten, inoperative, were 
utilized as floats in the harbor development program.

	Utah Beach was decommissioned on 31 October 1944. All material and equipment was 
shipped to U. S. Naval Advanced Base, Cherbourg. Omaha Beach was decommissioned on 
19 November 1944, and all materials and equipment were shipped to U. S. Naval Advanced Bases 
at LeHavre and Cherbourg. At the request of U. S. Army authorities, the beach camps and other 
materials and supplies, surplus to the Navy at both locations, were turned over to the U. S. Army.