AGUANA, Guam -- Commander, Task Force (CTF) 75 took permanent ownership of two 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, two MK VI patrol boats were delivered to CTF-56, based in Bahrain.
The newest generation of patrol boat, the MK VI is a 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 safeguarding critical infrastructure.
"Innovative assets like the MK VI allow us to maintain maritime superiority and help 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 MK 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 countermeasures 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 their 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 provide enhanced capabilities such as superior speed, range and 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, to 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.