MV Skookumtruck

MV SKOOKUMTRUCK

A little TLC for a Vietnam-era LCM-8 which is now Grieg Seafood’s eastern Vancouver Island workhorse

Grieg brought us the MV Skookumtruck for some TLC, including sandblasting and hull plainting and replacement of their underwater hull plating.

The Skookumtruck is an LCM-8, or “Mike” boat, the type that was operated by the US Army and Navy during the Vietnam War. They can carry 60 short tons (54 tons) of cargo and have a range of 190 nautical miles (350km) at 9 knots.

The bow ramp is controlled by air compressors, one on either side of the ship. The LCM-8 was the bigger brother of the smaller LCM-3s and the LCM-6s, which would operate ship-to-ship or ship-to-shore. Instead, the LCM-8 would transport vehicles between Johnston Atoll in the mid-Pacific and the shores of Vietnam. They could carry one M48 or M60 Tank, or 200 troops. Some LCM-8s were modified to perform command, personnel, salvage and firefighting duties. Another modification of the LCM-8 outfitted the vessel with a flamethrower; these were known as Zippo boats. More recently, LCM-8s have been used in Operation Desert Storm, Somalia, and patrolling the Potomac following the 9/11 attacks.

While she was out of the of the water we also took the opportunity to do a few upgrades, including a wheel house etension and hand rail replacement.

Please follow all Manufacturer's suggestions. Information on this website is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified Marine Technician.