The US Navy’s Commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific (CTF-75) has taken delivery of two new Riverine command boats (RCBs).
Coastal Riverine Squadron Three executive officer commander Eric Rasch said: "The addition of these two RCBs significantly enhances the coastal riverine force (CRF) capability throughout the Western Pacific."
In addition to improving the versatility of CTF-75, the procurement will expand capabilities and readiness in the US Seventh Fleet area of responsibility.
The two 49ft-long, 12ft-wide RCBs will be deployed for a range of missions.
Capable of offering command and control for a range of situations, the new command boat can also execute port security, troop insertion or extraction, counter-insurgency inland, organic air and fire support, organic unmanned aerial vehicles, maritime interdiction and other operations and uses.
The CRF unit, which acts as a link between the shallow water Riverine units and standard deep-water naval vessels, executes maritime security missions across all phases of military operations.
It is also responsible for securing high-value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbours, as well as 24-hour operations in all weather conditions and climates.
Image: Sailors offloading two Riverine command boats from the Military Sealift Command’s USNS Soderman (T-AKR 317). Photo: courtesy of the US Navy.
