RIVGRU 1 Tests new Command Boat

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RIVGRU 1 Tests new Command Boat
December 24, 2008
Navy News|by MC2 Michael R. Hinchcliffe

NORFOLK, VA. -- Riverine Group 1 is testing its first Riverine Command Boat, which gives Riverine squadrons the ability to travel not only in rivers, but also out to bays and coastal regions, expanding the capabilities of command and control and the Riverine squadrons' maritime security reach.

RCB-1, which the command received in October, has a primary mission of improving maritime security. With its versatility, the boat offers the ability for use as a primary boat in combat missions, patrolling missions, as a combat information center and can even be configured as an ambulance boat. It is designed to land on a variety of shorelines, including solid rock, to drop off and extract personnel from any area.

"The draft and basic hull construction allows the craft to operate effectively in environments from open seas to shallow river waters," said Chief Engineman (SW) Michael Flanagan RCB engineer, "That means we are capable of being launched from shore or a ship and operating in almost any environment that our area commander requires. Versatility is the key word."

The normal crew for the RCB is three to five personnel, and the crew compartment holds up to 15.

While this is the first of six RCBs, mission requirements will determine how many RCBs each squadron will have.


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