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Necc News

07 Nov 2022

Navy: Swedish Combat Boat 90, Both a Warrior and a Workhorse

A riverine command boat operates alongside the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund)

The Swedish-built Combat Boat 90 (CB 90) has established itself with military forces around the world as both a warrior and a workhorse. The 52-foot boats first entered service in 1991 as troop carriers with the Swedish Marines, which is still procuring them. There are more than 250 operating worldwide today.These rugged boats are optimized for high-speed / shallow-draft operations in and around Sweden’s many coastal islands, but they have also proven to be ideal for a variety of other applications and operating environments.The CB 90 is 52 feet long, with a draft of just 2 feet 7 inches.

16 Jun 2022

Updates, Developments and Advances in Combat and Patrol Craft

SBI completed an order last December for 52 Coastal Interceptor Vessels for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (Photo: SAFE Boats)

My first visit in 2007 to the American Society of Naval Engineers’ (ASNE) Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC) was an eye-opener. Having built a naval architecture career with frigates, destroyers and other large naval and commercial ships, I was eager to learn of the smaller craft used by the U.S. Navy and other government and military bodies. As my flight into Norfolk, Va. descended over Chesapeake Bay, I gazed in amazement as a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) raced toward Virginia Beach, slowed, glided up the beach and into its shore base.

09 Jun 2021

Analyzing Boat Maintenance Data Isn’t Rocket Science… Or Is It?

(Photo: U.S. Navy)

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) operates hundreds of boats all the way from a 7-meter Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) to a 78-foot patrol boat, as well as construction equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, pumps, cranes, vehicles and chain saws and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) equipment.Maintaining all of it comes under the watchful eye of Force Maintenance Director Dave Noel.“I’m the guy that fixes the equipment we buy,” Noel said. “Once it’s fielded, it’s our job to keep it operational…

09 Jun 2021

The Navy’s Big Fleet of Small Boats

The U.S. Navy’s Mark VI class patrol boat is designed to patrol riverine and littoral waters around the globe. (Photo: Nelson Doromal Jr / U.S. Navy)

The Navy is known for its big ships. It has a lot of smaller boats and craft, too—3,200 of them.The three primary stakeholders for these craft are the Surface Fleet, Commander Navy Installations Command and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. Other stakeholders include Submarine Forces; Air Forces (which own the aircraft carriers); Naval Special Warfare; the Coast Guard; Naval Facilities Command and the Naval Warfare Centers.Boats and craft are procured and managed by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Program Executive Office for Ships (PEO Ships)…

15 Feb 2021

Subsea Defense: Navy Deepens Commitment to Underwater Vehicles

Senior Chief Mineman Abraham Garcia (left) and Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Joshua Gaskill, members of the Knifefish Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) test team, man tending lines during crane operations as part of an operational test conducted by members from Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR). Knifefish is a medium-class mine countermeasure UUV designed for deployment off the Littoral Combat Ship. OPTEVFOR is the Navy’s sole test and evaluation organization for surface, air, and un

The U.S. Navy uses unmanned and robotic underwater vehicles for a multitude of functions, including environmental sensing, mine hunting, and salvage. The Navy plans to evolve an unmanned systems operating concept that is platform agnostic and capable of operating in highly complex contested environments with minimal operator interaction.The most recent edition of the Navy’s Unmanned Systems (UxS) Roadmap was issued in 2018, and a new version is expected in the near future. The 2018 document states that UxS will operate in every domain…

17 Jun 2020

US Approves $600 Mln Patrol Boat Sale to Ukraine

File photo: U.S. Navy sailors aboard a MKVI patrol boat in San Diego in June 2019. (U.S. Navy photo by Nelson Doromal Jr.)

The U.S. State Department approved the possible sale to Ukraine of up to 16 patrol boats and related equipment for an estimated $600 million, according to a statement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Wednesday.The 85-foot Mark VI patrol boats would be delivered by Bremerton, Wash. shipbuilder SAFE Boats International."The proposed sale will improve Ukraine’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a modern, fast, short-range vessel. Ukraine will utilize the vessels to better defend its territorial waters and protect other maritime interests…

21 Jul 2015

SAFE Boats Wins USN Patrol Boats Order

SAFE Boats International (SBI) has been awarded a contract modification to provide the United States Navy two (2) additional Mk VI Patrol Boats (Mk VI PB). The contract modification exercises the options available on the second Mk VI procurement contract, which was awarded to SAFE Boats in June of 2014. This brings the total number of Mk VI boats to be built by SAFE Boats to 12. The Mk VI PB is the Navy's next generation Patrol Boat and will become a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's (NECC) fleet of combatant craft. NECC will utilize the Mk VI PB to provide operational commanders a capability to patrol littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays…

09 Jul 2014

SAFE Boats to Build 4 More US Navy Mk VI Patrol Boats

SAFE Boats International (SBI) says it has been awarded a contract to provide the United States Navy four additional Mk VI Patrol Boats (Mk VI PB); with options for an additional two boats. The Mk VI PB is the Navy’s next generation Patrol Boat and will become a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s (NECC) fleet of combatant craft. SBI explains that according to the contract the Mk VI PBs mission is to provide operational commanders a capability to patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays, and into less sheltered open water out to the Departure Sea Area (DSA) for the purpose of force protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure. The 85-foot Mk VI PB is designed for optimal performance, fuel economy, and firepower.

29 Aug 2013

SAFE Boats Delivers 65-foot U.S. Navy Command Boat

Photo: SAFE Boats

SAFE Boats International (SBI) recently delivered a 65-foot Coastal Command Boat (CCB) to the U.S. Navy’s Coastal Riverine Group 1 in Coronado, California. The CCB is the first vessel of if its kind and represents the next generation of the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC)’s fleet of patrol boats and combatant craft. Its unique combination of size and agility enable it to patrol shallow littoral areas as well as deeper, open-water regions. The 65-foot CCB is an early variant of the soon to be delivered, 85-foot MKVI Patrol Boat.

12 Jun 2013

HiPer Craft Forum 2013: New Speakers Announced

The American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) will host the High Performance Craft (HiPer Craft) Forum on June 19-20, 2013 at the Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center in Norfolk, Va. •    Dr. •    Dr. •    Mr. •    Mr. •    Mr. Jonathan Hill, AMRINA, AFNI, Training Director at FRC International Ltd and Trident Marine Ltd. •    CAPT D.B. •    Mr. Dave Menna, Donald L. Blount & Associates, Inc. •    Mr. •    Dr. •    Mr. •    Dr. Trevor Dobbins, STResearch Ltd. •    Mr. Tyler Brand, President, StrongWake Ltd. •    Mr. •    Ms. •    Mr. Walt Pullar, Chief Executive Officer, RMGS, Inc.

01 Apr 2013

Seeing Forever: Lockhead Martin's Gyrocam

Lockheed Martin recently completed successful demonstrations of its Gyrocam 15-inch Dual Sensor & 15-inch Triple Sensor to the Navy. The demonstration was conducted as part of a cooperative research and development effort with the Stiletto Maritime Demonstration Program. That program was established to help accelerate the delivery of innovative maritime technologies across all armed services. During the demonstration in Virginia Beach, Va., U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) sailors used the 15-inch gyro-stabilized optical sensors in both day and night exercises. After successfully tracking items of interest and acquiring on-the-move, high-resolution electro-optical and thermal video, end-users provided immediate feedback on the technology.

20 Feb 2013

SpotterRF Radar Selected by DOD for Capability Demo

SpotterRF was one of 15 industry partners selected to participate in a Department of Defense (DOD) demonstration seeking cutting edge technologies with high potential of improving the warfighter's mission effectiveness and survivability. The Stiletto Maritime Demonstration Program conducted its first capability demonstration, Jan. 14-27, 2013 for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) off the coast of Virginia Beach, VA. This capability demonstration allowed SpotterRF to receive immediate feedback on the radar system as NECC Sailors observed the new technology in a realistic military maritime environment. During the course of the demonstration several scenarios were run in which vessels ranging from a jet ski to an 11 meter RHIB traveled different paths into and around the Harbor.

11 Feb 2013

Stiletto Maritime Demonstration Program hosts Capability Demonstration

The Stiletto Maritime Demonstration Program conducted its first Capability Demonstration, Jan. 14-27. The initial demonstration was hosted for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) off the Virginia coast near the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Va. The Capability Demonstration provided NECC Sailors an opportunity to observe new technologies developed by industry in a realistic military maritime environment. The program also provided the 15 participating industry partners an opportunity to receive immediate end-user feedback toward increasing technology readiness levels. “Warfighting needs are rapidly changing…

11 Feb 2013

Stiletto Craft Trials Assessed by NECC

Stilettto Sea Demonstration: Photo credit NAVSEA

The Stiletto Maritime Demonstration Program has conducted its first capability demonstration for the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). The Stiletto is a unique, maritime demonstration craft developed by the Defense Department to test littoral warfare concepts. Engineers and technicians with specialized expertise in maritime technology from Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Carderock's Norfolk detachment maintain and operate the 88-foot-long, composite-bodied, m-shaped vessel.

07 Nov 2012

Navy Help Clear Hurricane Sandy Destruction

Pumping Out Residential Premises: Photo credit USN

Units of the U.S. Navy Northern Command continues to work closely with civil authorites in Sandy clear up operations. Continue to clear debris from NJ Barrier Islands. Continue to provide afloat staging base and support to USCG District 1. Continue to rebuild Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook. Continue dewatering [or pumping out] of Rockaway Beach, NY, and Brooklyn public housing. Continued support by NMCB-11 and CRS-4 at Hoboken Ferry Terminal Port Authority. NECC’s Fleet Survey Team will go ashore in order to complete tasking in Jamaica Bay.

25 May 2012

SAFE Boats Awarded USN Patrol Boat Contract

MK VI Patrol Boat (MK VI PB).

SAFE Boats International (SBI) has been awarded a contract to provide the United States Navy five (5) MK VI Patrol Boats (MK VI PB). The MK VI PB is the Navy’s next generation Patrol Boat and will become a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s (NECC) fleet of combatant craft. NECC will utilize the MK VI PB to provide operational commanders a capability to persistently patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays, and into less sheltered open water…

20 Aug 2009

Demonstration, Littoral Warfighting Capabilities

A Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE:NOC)-led team has successfully demonstrated the integration of the AN/SPQ-9B radar and Naval Expeditionary Overwatch (NEO) system sensor data into the Integrated Combat Management System (ICMS) at the Navy's Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) at Dam Neck, Va. The team included Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren and Harris Corporation. NEO is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The demonstration illustrated the open architecture capabilities of ICMS to rapidly and affordably integrate both shipboard and off-board sensor data into a combat system network to support enhanced Fleet combat operations.

13 Aug 2007

MDSU-2 Aids in Minneapolis Bridge Recovery

Navy Diver 1st Class Josuha Harsh of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., surfaces after completing a salvage dive in the Mississippi River as the vehicle he and his team rigged is lifted from the water. MDSU-2 is assisting other federal, state, and local authorities managing disaster and recovery efforts at the site. U.S. Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 from Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek are bringing unique expeditionary diving and salvage capabilities to the search and recovery efforts at the site of the I-35 bridge collapse. MDSU-2 divers and a command and control element that includes representatives from Naval Sea Systems Command and Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1 have been in Minneapolis since Aug.

11 Jul 2007

NECC Establishes Riverine Squadron 3

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) established Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 on July 6 during a ceremony at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown. RIVRON 3’s primary mission is to conduct stability operations, provide maritime security and train coalition partners in riverine operations. “This ceremony is for you,” said Cmdr. Gregory Sandway, RIVRON 3’s commanding officer. “We are making history today, and I want you to be proud of that. RIVRON 3 is the final planned riverine squadron established under NECC. “Not only do you have the mandate to take riverine to a whole other level, but it’s not going to be easy,” said Rear Adm. Donald Bullard, NECC Commander. “It will be physically, mentally and emotionally stressful.

14 Jun 2007

MDSU 2, DOD Divers Train to Improve Environment

Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 in Little Creek, Va., along with Army, Navy Reserve and Coast Guard divers began a monumental training exercise off the coast of Fort Lauderdale on June 3. During the monthlong “DiveExEast 07,” military and Coast Guard divers will determine the most effective method for recovering an estimated 600,000 to 700,000 used tires off the ocean floor. It’s estimated that nearly 2 million tires were placed into the ocean in the 1970’s by private organizations hoping to create an artificial reef. Over the years, the successful formation of an artificial reef did not occur; the tires loosened and moved, damaging the nearby natural coral reefs.

08 Jun 2007

Riverine Force Marks One-Year Anniversary

A Small Unit Riverine Craft (SURC), from the Navy’s Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, conducts an orientation ride in Lake Qadisiya, the man-made reservoir on the North side of Haditha Dam. RIVRON 1, based out of Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Little Creek, is currently supporting the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. The deployment marks the first for a Navy riverine squadron since the Vietnam War. U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jon E. The Navy’s riverine force marked its one-year anniversary May 25. Riverine Group (RIVGRU) 1 and Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1 were both formally established May 25, 2006, under Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).

17 Apr 2007

NECC Establishes Expeditionary Training Command

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) established Expeditionary Training Command (ETC) in a ceremony held at Drexler Manor on Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek April 13. The new ETC’s main function will be to deploy teams to foreign countries to train their militaries in such areas as port security, non-commissioned officer (NCO) professional development, control craft operation, maintenance management and operational risk management. According to Lt. Cmdr. Scott Chafian, ETC executive officer, the new command will assess what partner countries and allies need in terms of maritime security training, construction and explosive ordnance disposal — any of the disciplines that NECC encompasses. “We will develop training programs to meet those needs," Chafian said.

13 Mar 2007

Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron 4 Completes Deployment to Guatemala

Naval Coastal Warfare Squadron (NCWS) 4 completed a six-week deployment to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, on March 4. The mission focused on providing landward and seaward security for three high value assets (HVA) and more than 1,300 Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen participating in Humanitarian Support Over the Shore 2007 (HSOTS-2007). Exercise HSOTS 2007 simulated a disaster relief assistance response to Puerto Quetzal that involved off-loading and transporting equipment to Joint Task Force (JTF) Belize and JTF Guatemala. More than 400 pieces of humanitarian assistance equipment were brought ashore and trucked to various locations throughout the region. The equipment will be used in the rural areas of Belize and Guatemala where schools and clinics will be built.