US Navy's Brand New MK VI Patrol Boat One of the Main Attractions of Sea Air Space 2015

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Sea-Air-Space 2015 - MK VI Patrol Boat
 
 
 
US Navy's Brand New MK VI Patrol Boat One of the Main Attractions of Sea Air Space 2015
 
US Navy Expeditionary Combat Command was showcasing its brand new MK VI Patrol Boat (PB) during Sea-Air-Space 2015. Navy Recognition discussed with Commander Pete Berning, U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Force, (whom we already met last year). The MK VI is a next generation PB and the latest addition to the US Navy fleet.
     
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command was showcasing its brand new MK VI Patrol Boat (PB) during Sea-Air-Space 2015. Navy Recognition discussed with Commander Pete Berning, U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Force, (whom we already met last year). The MK VI is a next generation PB and the latest addition to the US Navy fleet.The U.S. Navy MK VI Patrol Boat at Sea Air Space 2015
     
The 85 foot combatant craft’s hull is optimized for performance, fuel economy and firepower. The MK VI PB is configured with both an ergonomically designed pilothouse seating 5 operators: The Engineer (taking care of the engines and Mk 38 turret), the Navigator, the coxswain, the communication engineer and the boat Captain. The main deck cabin is reconfigurable and modular with 13 Shoxs seats and a medical station in case of injury. Below it are the galley which serves as kitchen and mission planning area, berthing (6 racks) with shower and engine room. All compartments are armored.
     
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command was showcasing its brand new MK VI Patrol Boat (PB) during Sea-Air-Space 2015. Navy Recognition discussed with Commander Pete Berning, U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Force, (whom we already met last year). The MK VI is a next generation PB and the latest addition to the US Navy fleet. A Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System by BAE Systems is fitted at the bow of the MK VI Patrol Boat
     
The PB crew present at Sea Air Space 2015 told Navy Recognition that the cruising speed is 30 knots and the maximum speed is 40+ knots. The vessel can be armed with a variety of crew served and remotely operated weapon systems such as M240s, Mk 44 and GAU 17. The PB present at SAS 2015 was fitted with a single Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System by BAE Systems. A second similar mount can be fitted at the stern. It was also fitted with two Protector RWS by Kongsberg. An Aerovironment PUMA UAV was also showcased on board.

As far as sensor suite is concerned it is fitted with tactical VHF, HF, UHF; SATCOM; Seaflir EO/IR, DGPS: Blue Force Tracker; Unmanned Vehicle C2; Integrated Marine Radar

The MK VI PB has a range of 600 nautical miles and is fitted with two MTU 16V2000 M94 engines and two Hamilton HM651 waterjets.

The MK VI PB can be deployed from US Navy LPD 17 and LHDs: To do so, it is fitted with two kick stands at the stern to stabilize it in the well deck. Also fitted at the stern is rail system that will be used in the future to deploy Mk 18 mod 2 UUVs.
     
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command was showcasing its brand new MK VI Patrol Boat (PB) during Sea-Air-Space 2015. Navy Recognition discussed with Commander Pete Berning, U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Force, (whom we already met last year). The MK VI is a next generation PB and the latest addition to the US Navy fleet. An Aerovironment PUMA UAV was also showcased on board the MK VI during Sea Air Space 2015
     
SAFE Boats International in Tacoma, Washington state was awarded a contract to provide the US Navy with 6 MK VI PBs in May 2012 with an another contract for 4 more boats awarded in July last year.

These new PBs are expected to start regular deployments in early 2016. A Command Boat (CB) variant is already forward deployed on theatre in Bahrain.
     
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command was showcasing its brand new MK VI Patrol Boat (PB) during Sea-Air-Space 2015. Navy Recognition discussed with Commander Pete Berning, U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Force, (whom we already met last year). The MK VI is a next generation PB and the latest addition to the US Navy fleet. Commander Pete Berning,US Navy Coastal Riverine Force , on board the MK VI Patrol Boat
during Sea Air Space 2015
     
Talking to Navy Recognition, Commander Pete Berning, U.S. Navy Coastal Riverine Force, said “The MK VI Patrol Boat brings mission flexibility and modularity. The boat will be in service for 20 years: It has been built with significant growth potential to accommodate future needs.”

The main mission of the MK VI PB is to provide capability to persistently patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays for the purpose of force protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure; Includes Security Force Assistance (SFA); High Value Unit (HVU) Shipping Escort; Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) Operations; and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC). The MK VI could also be used to deploy US Navy Seals even though this is not its primary mission.