We transported a 1942 WWII LCVP “Higgins Boat”(Landing Craft) from California to Nebraska. Here’s how we did it.
Who contacted you for this project? Jerry Meyer—Curator for the Nebraska National Guard Museum (NENG) in Seward, NE— and Whisler Aviation have a long standing relationship. Jerry is aware our expertise.
How did you prepare to take on this project? Utilizing our past experience with transporting oversize aircraft we reconfigured our trailer to accommodate the boat and coordinated with the 5 states that we were going to travel through to get the proper ‘oversize’ permits.
What was your route? We picked the boat up at Blue Ox Millworks—a company that specializes in wood products and restoration—in Eureka, CA. Then on thru California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Seward, NE, its final destination.
What were the challenges specific to this project? The Higgins Boat was to be the main attraction in Seward’s popular Independence Day Parade so we had a strict deadline to be back at NENG in time for the 4th of July activities. The first 150 miles after leaving Eureka CA were on 2 lane winding, mountainous roads with switchbacks and overhanging cliffs. This required escort vehicles and very slow travel. Needless to say, we made it in time to spare for the parade!
Name your team members and the roles they played in this project. Greg & Terri Whisler – coordinated with the museum and with Blue Ox Millworks who was preparing the structure to transport the boat. We had to arrange for all of the oversize permits and schedule escort vehicles for the states that required it. We also had to arranged times for cranes to be on location for loading in Eureka CA and unloading in Seward, NE.
Jon Patak, a Whisler Aviation employee, ensured the truck/trailer and support equipment was organized and operable before leaving to California. His skills and experience were utilized with unloading the boat and placing it inside the restoration bay of the Museum.
Anything else? After the parade, we transported the boat to Columbus OH— the birth place of Andrew Higgins—where it was placed on display at the Higgins Memorial for several hours. Later that same day we transported it back to Seward to its permanent home at the NENG.
