Grand Goave, Haiti — Landing Craft Air Cushions, huge Navy hovercraft capable of hauling 65 tons at a time from ship to shore, have started delivering supplies and personnel to Haiti.

The LCACs had to wait for crews on the shore to clear debris from a suitable beach to prevent damage to the vessels’ huge tail rotors. The Navy also had to select an alternate beach to go ashore, after Wednesday’s 6.1 aftershock caused ground water under the original landing site to rise to the dry surface, turning it to mud.

Now that the LCACs are up and running, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit has reached its full amphibious capabilities, which should significantly speed up the delivery of life sustaining supplies to earthquake victims in Haiti, and heavy equipment to start rebuilding the infrastructure of this battered island nation.

As with the helicopter landings, each LCAC arrival draws a large crowd. Local residents are curious, but calm — speaking with marines and sailors about the immediate needs of the community and the US military’s massive effort to meet those needs. Related reporter’s notebook blog: A Stoic Calm in Haiti.

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