Two MK VI Patrol Boats Report for Duty in Pacific

AGANA, GUAM

08.24.2016

Story by Jennifer Cragg 

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command

AGANA, Guam (NNS) - Commander, Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Pacific
(CTF-75) has taken permanent ownership of two Mark (MK) VI Patrol Boats at Naval Base Guam, Aug. 24.

The MK VI Patrol Boats are now permanently assigned in two separate strategic areas of operations. In March 2016, two MK VI Patrol Boats were delivered to CTF 56, based in Bahrain. The newest generation of patrol boat, the MK VI is an 85-foot combatant craft, and provides a persistent capability to patrol shallow littoral areas for the purpose of force protection of U.S. and coalition forces as well as safe guarding critical infrastructure.

"Innovative assets like the MK VI allow us to maintain maritime superiority and helps strengthen and enable our partners within the Indo-Asia Pacific region," said Capt. Erich Diehl, commodore, CTF 75. "We are excited to receive and employ the Mark VI throughout our area of operations."

The MK VI Patrol Boat offers the Coastal Riverine Forces a variety of mission sets from waterborne to mine counter measures to theater security cooperation enabling operators to provide their critical security know how and force protection worldwide. The U.S. Navy will utilize the MK VI Patrol Boats and its crews in a variety of Pacific Fleet exercises and operations.

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's Cmdr. Raul Gandara emphasized the enhanced capabilities of the Navy's newest and next generation patrol boats.

"The unique design of the patrol boats is its configurability, which will provide the opportunity for installation of future systems directly supporting the operational commander," said Gandara.

The MK VI Patrol Boats are globally transportable and can operate from amphibious ship well decks to forward locations while partnering with allied
navies at a new and more effective level. Additionally, the MK VI Patrol Boats will also provide enhanced capabilities such as speed to range to
maneuverability.

The patrol boats can reach speeds in excess of 35 knots and have a range of more than 600 nautical miles.

The Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR) operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CORIVFOR is to
conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

CORIVFOR is a component of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and provides flexible responsive maritime security forces capable of performing high
level security.

• Date Taken: 08.24.2016
• Date Posted: 08.27.2016 07:24
• Story ID: 208011
• Location: AGANA, GU