SOC-R Special Operations Craft-Riverine

SOC-R Special Operations Craft-Riverine. National Navy UDT-Seal Museum. , The mission of the SOC-R Craft is to perform Short Range Insertion and Extraction of Special Operation Forces [SEALs primarily] in a riverine environment. The boat and crew can also conduct direct action missions. The craft is transportable by US Air Force cargo aircraft and medium-lift helicopters such as the H-47 Chinook and H-53 Sea Stallion. This allows quick deployment of US Special Operations riverine forces. , , The Soc-R is 33 feet long, with a nine-foot beam, and draws only 8 inches[2032 cm] of water at speed. Twin 440 HP Yanmar Diesel engines give it quick acceleration up to its rated top speed of 42 Knots [about 48 MPH or 78 KPH]. The aluminum hull makes it light and strong and capable of carrying up to 20,500 lbs [9,300 KG] in personnel and combat gear. Two Hamilton waterjets make it extremely maneuverable. It has a crew of five and can carry up to eight passengers. , , The hull of the Special Operations Craft Riverine can accommodate some ballistic armor for protection and has mounts for five weapons [in addition to those carried by the crew and passengers].These include the M2 .50 caliber heavy machine gun, MK 19 automatic grenade launcher, and 7.62mm mini guns. SOC-RSA’s are operated by Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen [SWCC]. , , This Craft, SOC-R 11, was refurbished by United States Marine, Inc [USMI] for the museum. SOC-R 11 served on the Tigris River of Iraq from June 2007 to February 2008 and was operated by Special Boat Team 22 from Stennis, Mississippi. This mighty Craft conducted over 192 missions during 1050 hours underway and logged more than 3400 nautical miles in enemy waters. , Built by United States Marine, Inc. [USMI]