November 19, 2008
RightSideNews.com
My good friend Peter sent me a great video of what some call the “best kept secret in the Navy” and we would just like to show our fellow Americans what our brave men and women are doing to protect our country and our interests abroad. This article covers Naval Special Warfare Boats and the SWCC units that operate them. “Special Operations is characterized by the use of small units with unique ability to conduct military actions that are beyond the capability of conventional military forces. (video footage below)
SWCC units are the masters of maritime Special Operations, employ their specialized training, equipment, and tactics conducting missions worldwide. ” In other words, they can kick some serious butt. I am reminded of Barny Frank’s comment about cutting the military by 25% in the new administration. Would these special ops be part of that cut? How many of these fine men and women will allow their term of service to expire?
MK V Special Operations Craft – The primary mission of the MK V SOC is a medium range insertion and extraction platform for SEAL and special operations forces in low to medium threat environments. The secondary mission is limited coastal patrol and interdiction.
Length Overall: 81′ – 2″. Beam: 17′ – 5 3/4″. Draft: 5′ Maximum (static). Fuel Capacity: 2600 Gallons. Construction: Aluminum Hull.
Engines: Twin 2285 HP MTU 12V396 TE94 Diesel. Waterjets: KaMeWa50S. Top Speed: 45-48 Knots. Range: 500+ NM.
NSW Rigid Inflatable Boat – The NSW Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is a high speed, high buoyancy, extreme weather craft with the primary mission of insertion/extraction of SEAL teams from enemy beaches. The RIB hull is made of glass reinforced plastic.
Length Overall: 36′. Draft: 2′ 11″. Fuel Capacity: 180 Gallons. Construction: FRP w/air-filled sponson.
Engines: 470 HP Twin Caterpillar 3126 Diesels. Waterjets: KaMeWa FF280 Mix. Top Speed: 45+ Knots. Range: 200+ NM.
Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) – The Special Operations Craft-Riverine is a high speed boat with ample weapons and equipment capacity. This boat has the ability to operate in waterways that are located well inland. The capacity of the boat allows forces to conduct extended operations.
Length Overall: 33′. Draft: 2′. Fuel Capacity: 190 Gallons. Construction: Aluminum Hull w/FRP accessories.
Engines: 440 Twin Yanmar 6LY2M-STE Diesels. Waterjets: Hamilton HJ292. Top Speed: 40+ Knots. Range: 195+ NM.