Gadge and I share the same hobby, not the same house. 
Hi, just to bring the conversation back on track momentarily (and I don't know if it helps), but looking at the style and marking of LCVP you have - it's from the USS Sam Chase which would have carried the 1/16th Infantry (1st Division). Sadly, there were no 2d Rangers on that part of the beach or in that type of vessel I'm afraid 
(The 2d Rangers came ashore in British LCAs. Yes....Saving Private Ryan got it wrong.)
Are you going to replicate an assault boat for the photo? Are you alright for the special weapons that an assault boat crew would need? You're also going to need a Navy coxwain to be in the background. 
Hi Stamper, the Coastguard/Navy isn't my forte I'm afraid - I'm an infantry nut. As I understand, larger ships like the USS Chase/USS Henrico etc., were manned by the Navy and the smaller vessels (the LCIs, LST's, Rhino barges) were coastguard manned.
I'd have assumed anything from a Navy ships (i.e with a name not a number)would have had Navy crews, but, it might not be impossible that the ferrying of small vessels from them (like LCVPs) was "outsourced" to the Coastguard. The 1944 "Ship to shore Tactical Manual" from the US Atlantic Fleet I have (which just about covers just about everything the Coxwain needs to know -from lowering the boat into the water, to getting it ashore in your wave, and finally back on board) doesn't state.
Whichever - Navy or Coastguard, I think you'd be hard put to differentiate the Coxwains apart on the day. A grey steel pot (bar, total or just o.d.) and foul weather jacket - all hidden beneathe a huge, collared, Kapok life vest. It'll look the business!
I think it was more of the case of Biguk having ranger kit but wanting to be involved by disguising his insignia, rather that having a ranger on the boat in with a load of regular infantry types.
He does have a point about the guy driving the boat...if it's to be as accurate as it appears to be unfolding then do you not need navy personnel driving it...and how about some bangalore torpedoes!?...
I'll butt out now...
Show me a man who will jump out of an airplane, and I'll show you a man who will fight!
General James M. Gavin
CRY HAVOC AND LET LOOSE THE DOGS OF WAR
Well the boat guy could be taking cover in his hole from all the incoming MG fire hehe!
If someone has the kit they'd be more than welcome I'm sure!
If it was to be accurate..would we also require to have guns concealed in the plastic bags?
I'm going to be doing a shoot of guys most likely training on the boats in the UK
(hence no need for a beach)
"I think we are in rats' alley - Where the dead men lost their bones."
