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Naval
Forces News - USA |
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U.S.
Navy Coastal Command Patrol Boat (CCB) Arrives in Bahrain |
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The
Coastal Command Boat (CCB) arrived in its homeport of Bahrain Feb. 8.
The CCB, a one-of-a-kind platform, was originally built in Washington
in 2011 and is assigned to Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.7 of Commander
Task Force (CTF) 56. |
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A 65PB1101 coastal command patrol boat arrives in San Diego. The patrol
boat has increased capability over existing Navy Expeditionary Combat
Command craft, including 24-hour mission capability, ergonomic equipment
design, both remote and crew-served weapon systems and a robust communications
suite. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Donnell Evans/Released)
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As the
first and only vessel of its kind, some of the CCB's capabilities include
increased payload capacity for maritime interdiction operations (MIO),
Sea Ports of Debarkation (SPOD) defense, Sea Lanes of Communication
(SLOC) control, and other littoral and coastal maritime missions. The
CCB can reach speeds in excess of 35 knots, as well as enter well-deck
modes for transportation. She can also function as a platform for various
unmanned vehicles. |
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The 65PB1101 coastal command patrol boat departs Port Angeles, Wash.
to transit to San Diego, Calif. The boat has spent the last four months
performing training and trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist Seaman Apprentice William Blees/Released)
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Cdre.
Joseph A. DiGuardo Jr., commander, Task Force 56, said the CCB has a
range of more than 500 nautical miles. Having such an extended range,
more so than current patrol and riverine boats, will allow the CCB to
be more of a centerpiece in "blue water operations," that
take place at a greater distances from land.
"It greatly improves our ability to reinforce blue water operations
to a much greater extent than we have been able to," said DiGuardo.
"The CCB gives us that greater reach with more speed and longer
time on-station. It gives us a greater capability to dominate the littorals
and give the 5th Fleet commander more options to achieve his objective." |
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A 65PB1101 coastal command patrol boat arrives in San Diego. The patrol
boat has increased capability over existing Navy Expeditionary Combat
Command craft, including 24-hour mission capability, ergonomic equipment
design, both remote and crew-served weapon systems and a robust communications
suite. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Donnell Evans/Released)
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With
the CCB comes many new things for the crew to learn.
"Everything about
this boat is an upgrade from previous boats I've been on," said
Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Aaron Braithwaite, a Sailor from the CCB's
25-man hybrid crew consisting of Reserve and active duty Sailors. "But
once you grasp the concept, it's real easy. It's modern and efficient,
and the morale here is real good with everyone doing their part."
Braithwaite explained that he and the rest of the crew were selected
and formed as the first CCB deployment team after a Reserve Component
Fleet Introduction Team (FIT) delivered the boat to the Navy Expeditionary
Combat Command (NECC) one year ago. The FIT's task was to prepare the
boat and crew for deployment whereas the current deployment team is
responsible for many proof-of-concept operations and training follow-on
waves of deployers.
"I'm pretty excited to be here and bring something new from the
U.S. Navy to Bahrain," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Devin
Cress, who said he's previously served aboard a frigate, but nothing
like the CCB. "This is a whole new type of mission and deployment
for me, but we're more than ready to fulfill the needs of the Navy.
I'm excited to see that happen."
The CCB is a precursor to the MK VI patrol boats that will be delivered
to the Navy and NECC in the future. Both the CCB and MK VI patrol boats
are a result of dynamic requirements that are unique to the 5th Fleet
Area of Responsibility.
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Felicito Rustique, U.S.
Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs |
