This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bridge-Erection Pontoon Boat was used to assemble and support a temporary military bridge. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been erecting pontoon bridges since the Civil War to cross water obstacles. The Army used many types of temporary bridges in World War II, but needed a faster way to deploy while under fire in combat.

Andrew J. Higgins designed this boat to help the Army Engineers rebuild the infrastructure among the ruins of Europe. It is a motorized boat that was able to operate in shallow water and work as a tug or ferry. The twin screw propellers are protected to prevent damage from debris. The boat is designed in two sections for ease of transportation to the site.

The Bridge-Erection Pontoon Boat’s most unique role was operating as a ferry gun boat on the rivers in Vietnam. These boats are still in private use in Europe and are operated by disaster relief agencies in the United States.