USS Ohio (SSGN 726) and USS Florida ( SSGN 728) are currently
in service with the Navy Special Warfare Command.
The USS Michigan (SSGN 727) will enter service later this year.
The USS Georgia (SSGN 729) will complete conversion in mid-2007.
These nuclear-powered submarines will have the capability
to launch up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, conduct
sustained special forces operations and carry other payloads,
such as unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs) and special forces equipment.
Naval Special Warfare Command has taken control of 12 of 13 Patrol Coastal
Cyclone Class Ships. The PC class has a primary mission of coastal
patrol and interdiction, with a secondary mission of Naval Special
Warfare support. Primary employment missions will include
forward presence, monitoring and detection operations,
escort operations, non-combatant evacuation, and foreign internal
defense. The PC class operates in low intensity environments.
Naval Special Warfare operational missions will include long range
SEAL insertion/extractions, tactical swimmer operations,
intelligence collection, operational deception,
and coastal/riverine support. PCs will normally operate as a
two boat detachment. This allows enhanced support and facilitates
the assignment of one Mobile Support Team, MST, every two ships.
Design Characteristics:
Length: 170 feet
Beam: 25 feet
Draft: 7.8 feet
Displacement: 328.5 tons (full load)
Fuel Capacity: 18,000 gallons
Propulsion: 4 Paxman diesels (3350 horsepower each)
Generators: 2 Caterpillar (155 kilowatt each)
Steel hull with aluminum superstructure
Commercial sensors and navigation systems
Complement: 4 officers, 24 enlisted
Detachment: Berthing for 9-man SOF/law enforcement detachment
Inventory:Active 13 ships
Performance Criteria:
Maximum Speed: 30 plus knots
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Seaworthiness: Survive through sea state five
Max Range: In excess of 3000 nm (2 engines at 16 knots)
Armament:
MK 38 25mm rapid fire gun
MK 96 25mm rapid fire gun
Stinger Station
4 pintles supporting any combination of:
.50 caliber machine guns; M60 machine guns;
MK 19 grenade launchers
Small arms
MK 52 Mod 0 chaff decoy launching system
Pre-planned product improvement:
NSW RIB retrieval system
The newest craft in the Naval Special Warfare inventory
is the MK V SOC. It's primary mission is a medium
range insertion and extraction platform for Special
Operations Forces in a low to medium threat environment.
The secondary mission is limited Coastal Patrol and
Interdiction, specifically limited duration patrol and
low to medium threat coastal interdiction. The MK V SOC
will normally operate in a two craft detachment with a
Mobile Support Team.
The Mobile Support Team provides technical assistance and
maintenance support during mission turnaround. The MK V SOC
is fundamentally a single sortie system with a 24 hour
turn- around time. The typical MK V SOC mission duration is
12 hours. The MK V SOC is fully interoperable with the PC ships
and NSW RIBs. As such, all could be employed from a Forward
Operating Base, in a synergistic effect. A MK V SOC detachment,
consisting of two craft and support equipment, will be
deployable on two USAF C-5 aircraft into the gaining theater
within 48 hours of notification. A detachment is transportable
over land on existing roadways. Detachments are not configured
nor manned to provide their own security, messing, or berthing
for personnel while forward deployed.
Design Characteristics:
Length: 81 feet 2 inches
Beam: 17 ft 5 3/4 inches
Draft: 5 feet
Displacement: 57 tons (full load)
Fuel Capacity: 2,600 gallons
Propulsion: 2 MTU 12V396 diesels (2285 horsepower each)
2 KaMeWa waterjets
Aluminum hull with five watertight compartments
Radar, full suite communications (HF, UHF, HF, SATCOM),
GPS, IFF
Complement: 1 officer, 5 enlisted
Detachment: 16 SOF combat loaded operators with 4 CRRCs
Performance Criteria:
Maximum Speed: 45-48 knots for 250 nautical miles in
Sea State 2
Cruising Speed: 25 - 40 knots Sea State 3
Seaworthiness: Survive through sea state five
Max Range: 500 nm (2 engines at 45 knots)
Armament:
Stinger Station
5 pintles supporting any combination of:
.50 caliber machine guns; M60 machine guns;
MK 19 grenade launchers
Small arms
Pre-planned product improvement:
Mounting stations for GAU-17 Minigun,
MK 95 Twin 50 cal machine gun, MK 38 chain gun
Rolling Stock per two boat detachment:
2 MK V SOC transporters
2 M9161A prime movers
2 M1083 5 ton trucks
4 M1097 HUMMVs with S250 shelters
1 five-ton forklift
The SOC-R, is designed for high speed
riverine patrol operations in contested areas of
operations, and insertion/extraction of SEAL Team
elements. More than 500 units were built when first
introduced in the Vietnam conflict in 1966 although
the current inventory is 24 craft. They can be
transported in C-5 aircraft on skids. The PBR is
heavily armed and vital crew areas are protected
with ceramic armor. The weapons loadout on this
craft includes both single and twin .50 caliber
machine gun mounts, 40 mm grenade launchers and
small arms. The hull is reinforced fiberglass
with two Jacuzzi type waterjet pumps for propulsion.
The unit can operate in shallow debris filled water.
The craft is highly maneuverable and can turn
180 degrees and reverse course within the distance
of its own length while operating at full power.
Engine noise silencing techniques have been
incorporated into the design and improved over the
years. The combination of relatively quiet operation
and its surface search radar system make this unit an
excellent all-weather picket as well as a shallow water
patrol and interdiction craft.
Design Characteristics:
Length: 32 feet
Beam (including guard rails): 11 feet 7 inches
Weight: 8 3/4 tons
Draft: 2 feet
Propulsion: 2 GM 6V53N Diesel Engines
(215 horsepower each)
2 Jacuzzi 14YJ water jet pumps
Radar, VHF/UHF Radios
Complement: 4 crew and 6 passengers
Fiberglass-reinforced hull
Performance Characteristics:
Speed: 24 Knots
Seaworthiness: Sea State 3
Max Range: 300 nm at full speed
Armament:
Standard:
Twin mount. 50 cal machine gun
.50 cal machine gun, stand mounted
MK19 40 mm grenade launcher
Options:
40mm/.50 cal machine gun, stand mounted
60mm mortar
M60 machine guns
The Mini-Armored Troop Carrier is a 36 foot
all-aluminum hull craft designed for high-speed patrol,
interdiction, and combat assault missions in rivers,
harbors, and protected coastal areas. The MATC has a
large well area for transporting combat equipped troops,
carrying cargo, or for gunnery personnel operating the
seven organic weapon stations. The MATC propulsion
system is similar to that of the PBR, with an internal
jet pump, which moves the water on the same principle
as the air breathing jet engine. This type of
propulsion is especially appropriate for beaching
operations. A hydraulic bow ramp is designed to aid
the insertion and extraction of troops and equipment.
The craft has a low silhouette which makes it difficult
to detect in all speed ranges. The unit is extremely
quiet, particularly at idle speeds. A high resolution
radar and multiple communications suite, provides a
good all weather surveillance and command and control
presence for interdiction and anti-smuggling operations.
The overhead canopy can be removed or stowed below.
Crew size is normally four but can be modified
depending on the mission and mission duration.
Design Characteristics:
Length: 36 feet
Beam (including guard rails): 12 feet 9 inches
Draft: 2 feet
Displacement: 12.5 tons
Propulsion: 2 GM 8V53N diesel engines
(283 horsepower each)
2 Jacuzzi 20YJ water jet pumps
Aluminum Hull, flat bottom
Radar, VHF/UHF Radios
Complement: 4 crew and 8 passengers
Performance Criteria:
Maximum Speed: 25+ knots
Seaworthiness: Sea State 3
Max range: 350 nautical miles
Armament:
7 pintle mounted weapons to include
.50 caliber, M-60, MK 19
60 MM mortar
The Light Patrol Boat is a lightly armed
Boston Whaler type craft with no armor.
This craft is constructed of fiberglass
with reinforced transom and weapons mount
areas. It is powered by dual outboard motors
and is highly maneuverable. It is useful in
interdicting a lightly armed adversary but
should not be used to engage a heavily armed
or well organized enemy. It functions
effectively in policing actions, harbor control,
diving and surveillance operations,
riverine warfare, drug interdiction,
and other offensive or defensive purposes.
The weapon mountings can include .50 caliber
heavy machine guns or 7.62mm machine guns
mounted on 180-degree mounts, providing an
effective weapon employment in any direction.
Due to its unique hull design, the PBL is
excellent for the riverine environment,
allowing it to operate in virtually any water
depth. Its two low-profile engines are capable
of providing eight hours of continuous operation
at a fast cruise speed of 25-plus knots.
It displaces 6,500 lb. fully loaded and is
transportable via its own trailer, helicopter
sling, or C-130 aircraft. Normal crew size is
three personnel.
Design Characteristics:
Length: 25 feet
Max beam: 8 feet 7 inches
Draft: 18 inches
Propulsion: Twin 155-HP outboards
Fiberglass hull
VHF, UHF, and SATCOM Radios
Complement: 3 Crew and 8 passengers
Performance Criteria:
Speed: 30+ knots
Range: 150 nautical miles
Seaworthiness: Sea State 2
Armament
3 weapons stations, one forward and two aft/
Combination of .50 cal, or M-60
The Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) is a high speed,
high buoyancy, extreme weather craft with the
primary mission of insertion/extraction of SEAL
tactical elements from enemy occupied beaches.
The RIB is constructed of glass reinforced plastic
with an inflatable tube gunwale made of a new
hypalon neoprene/nylon reinforced fabric.
There are two types of RIBs currently in the
inventory, a 24-foot RIB and a 30- foot RIB.
The RIB has demonstrated the ability to operate
in light-loaded condition in sea state six and
winds of 45 knots. For other than heavy weather
coxswain training, operations are limited to sea
state five and winds of 34 knots or less.
The 24-foot RIB carries a crew of three and a
SEAL element.
A 30 Foot RIB carries a crew of three and allows
for a SEAL squad delivery capability.
Design Characteristics:
24 foot RIB 10 meter RIB
Length: 24 feet 30 feet
Beam: 9 feet 11 feet
Draft: 2 feet 3 feet
Weight: 9,300 lb. 14,700 lb.
Propulsion: Single Volvo Penta Two Iveco Diesels
with waterjets
Complement: 3 crew/4 passengers 3 crew/
8 passengers
Radar, HF, UHF, VHF Radar, HF, UHF, VHF,
SATCOM Radios
Performance Criteria:
Speed: 25+ knots 35+ knots
Range: 170 nautical miles 200 nautical miles
Seaworthiness: Sea State 5-Sea State 6 w/ heavy weather crew
Armament:
Forward and After Forward and After Mounts
Mounts Capable of M-60 Capable of M-60, M-2,
or MK 19
Combat Rubber Raiding Craft
The Combat Rubber Raiding Craft is used for
clandestine surface insertion and extraction of
lightly armed SOF forces. They are employed to
land and recover SOF forces from over-the-horizon.
The CRRC is capable of surf passages. The CRRC may
be launched by air (airdrop/helo-cast),
or by craft (LCU, LCM). It may also be deck-launched
or locked-out from submarines. It has a low visual
electronic signature, and is capable of being cached
by its crew once ashore.
It uses one 35-55 horsepower engine.
Design Characteristics:
Length: 15 feet 5 inches
Beam: 6 feet 3 inches
Draft: 2 feet
Weight: 265 lb. without motor or fuel
Speed: 18 knots, no load
Range: Dependent on fuel carried
Complement: 8 max
The SEAL Delivery Vehicle MK VIII is a "wet"
submersible, designed to carry combat swimmers
and their cargo in fully flooded compartments.
Submerged, operators and passengers are sustained
by the individually worn underwater breathing apparatus.
Operational scenarios for the vehicle include underwater
mapping and terrain exploration, location and recovery of
lost or downed objects, reconnaissance missions, and
limited direct action missions.
The vehicle is propelled by an all-electric propulsion
subsystem powered by re-chargeable silver-zinc batteries.
Buoyancy and pitch attitude are controlled by a ballast
and trim system; control in both the horizontal and
vertical planes is provided through a manual control
stick to the rudder, elevator, and bow planes.
A computerized Doppler navigation sonar displays speed,
distance, heading, altitude, and other piloting functions.
Instruments and other electronics units are housed in dry,
watertight canisters. The special modular construction
provides easy removal for maintenance. Major subsystems
are Hull, Propulsion, Ballast/Trim, Control,
Auxiliary Life Support, Navigation, Communications
and Docking Sonar.
The Dry Deck Shelter allows for the launch and recovery
of an SDV or combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) with
personnel from a submerged submarine. It consists of
three modules constructed as one integral unit.
The first module is a hangar in which an SDV or CRRC
is stowed. The second module is a transfer trunk to
allow passage between the modules and the submarine.
The third module is a hyperbaric recompression chamber.
The DDS provides a dry working environment for mission
preparations. In a typical operation the DDS hangar
module will be flooded, pressurized to the surrounding
sea pressure, and a large door is opened to allow for
launch and recovery of the vehicle. A DDS can be
transported by USAF C-5/C-17 aircraft, rail, highway,
or sealift. The DDS is 40 feet long and weighs 65,000 lb.
Current submarines capable of single DDS employment:
USS L. MENDEL RIVERS
USS BATES
Current submarines capable
of dual DDS employment:
USS KAMEHAMEH
USS POLK
Design Characteristics:
Length: 39 feet
Width: 10 feet
Weight: 65,000 lb.
Volume: 3,705 cubic feet
The Advanced SEAL Delivery System is a dry,
1 ATM, mini-submersible that can transport
a SEAL squad from a host platform, either
surface ship or submarine, to an objective
area. The ASDS has a lock-out chamber that
is controlled by operators for lock-out from
an anchored position. The ASDS will anchor
above the bottom between 2-190 feet.
The ASDS will be transportable by land, sea
or C-5/17 aircraft.
Design Characteristics:
Length: 65 feet
Beam: 6.75 feet
Height: 8.25 feet
Displacement: 55 tons
Propulsion: 67hp electric motor (Ag-Zn Battery)
Desert Patrol/Light Strike Vehicle is a modified
Chenowith off-road, three-man, 2x4 racing vehicle.
The DPV was designed to operate anywhere a
four-wheel drive vehicle can, with additional
speed and maneuverability.
The DPV can perform numerous combat roles
including, but not limited to:
special operations delivery vehicle,
command and control vehicle, weapons platform,
rear area combat operation vehicle,
reconnaissance vehicle,
forward observation/lasing team,
military police vehicle, and
artillery forward observer vehicle.
The weapon systems used with the DPVs are:
Mark 19 40mm Grenade Machine Gun,
M2.50 Cal Machine Gun,
M60 7.62 Machine Gun,
AT-4 Missile,
Low Recoil 30mm Cannon, and
TOW Missile Launcher.
Vehicle Specifications:
Prime Contractor: Chenowith
Acceleration: 0-30 mph in 4 sec.
Powerplant: 2000cc gas engine
Speed (max): 60+ mph
Payload: 1500 lb.
Range: 200-plus miles
Dimensions:
Length: 161 inches
Height: 79 inches
Width: 83 inches
Gross Vehicle Weight: 2700 lb.
Max Grade: 75%
Max Side Slope: 50%
Ground Clearance: 16 inches
High Speed Vehicle(Experimental)
Special operations forces insertion/redeployment
Launch/Recover: Various SEAL platforms/craft
Support/Sustain:
MK V's,
Advanced SEAL Delivery System
Maximum Sustained Speed:40 knots
(Excerpt from the JCS SOF Reference Manual)
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