Navy special boat units get new missions

[unhappycamper]

Navy special boat units get new missions
By Louis Hansen - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 15, 2009 15:11:24 EST

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In more peaceful times, the mission for special warfare boat crews was clear and simple.

They drove small, fast boats and covertly delivered Navy SEALs onto foreign shores.

With SEALs now fighting in Middle Eastern deserts and mountains, however, hundreds of small-boat sailors drifted from their core mission. About a year ago, some Virginia Beach-based sailors were a few ticks away from beaching their boats and becoming combat truck drivers for special forces.

"It would have been revolutionary," said Capt. Chuck Wolf, commodore of Naval Special Warfare Group 4.

Security improvements in Iraq eliminated the need for that change. But like many Navy commands, the small special boat community, headquartered at Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, has adapted and taken on new roles.


Rest of article at: http://navytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_navy_specialcrew_011509/%2E

[tinymontgomery]

1. I served with these guys

from 88 to 90. They were called special boat unit 20 back then and ran seafoxes and MK3 65ft patrol boats. Had a great time running with the brown water navy.