This was the invasion craft that greatly increased the speed with which assault troops gained the Sicilian beaches. Built in U.S.A. from Anglo-American designs, it had several interesting features, including the ladder-gangways which were lowered as soon as the vessel entered shallow water, enabling troops to disembark from both sides. U.S. troops clambering up one of the gangways during rehearsal in Britain.. Showing the craft with the gangways raised.