FLEX - 5

The Fleet Landing Exercises, or FLEX, were amphibious landing exercises conducted by the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps between 1935 and 1941. These exercises helped create warfare strategies, encouraged the development of new watercraft and equipment, and demonstrated the importance of preparation for amphibious combat.

Fleet Landing Exercise Number 5, or FLEX-5, took place in early 1939 in the Caribbean. This exercise resulted in the Marines requesting a better landing craft, which ultimately led to the adoption of the Higgins' Eureka LCP (Landing Craft Personnel).

While the Clypeate apologizes for using FLEX-5 to hitch a ride aboard the USS Milwaukee, they also tested early Higgins’ Eureka prototypes during their mission to Antarctica. While not specifically designed for below-zero weather, the landing craft performed admirably and helped finalize the design ultimately used by the US Marines.