SAFE Boats International (SBI) has been awarded a contract modification to provide the United States Navy two (2) additional Mk VI Patrol Boats (Mk VI PB). The contract modification exercises the options available on the second Mk VI procurement contract, which was awarded to SAFE Boats in June of 2014. This brings the total number of Mk VI boats to be built by SAFE Boats to 12.
The Mk VI PB is the Navy's next generation Patrol Boat and will become a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's (NECC) fleet of combatant craft. NECC will utilize the Mk VI PB to provide operational commanders a capability to patrol littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays, and into less sheltered open water out to the Departure Sea Area (DSA) for the purpose of force protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure.
SAFE Boats designed the 85-foot Mk VI PB for optimal performance, fuel economy, and firepower. Systems are designed to reduce Total Ownership Cost (TOC), minimize manpower and improve reliability and maintainability. Powered by twin diesel engines and water jets, the Mk VI PB is capable of speeds in excess 35 knots at full load and the vessel has a range greater than 600 nautical miles. Berthing accommodations, galley and head/shower facilities are provided for extended missions. Additionally, the boat is fitted with ballistic protection and can be armed with a variety of crew served and remotely operated weapons systems.
"SAFE Boats is proud to be part of the Mk VI Patrol Boat program and to deliver this new capability to the US Navy. The Mk VI is proving to have an improved level of performance and capability for a broad range of missions and Navy use. Mk VI is a very exciting program for SAFE Boats and we look forward to its future", said Hartwell Champagne, VP and General Manager, SAFE Boats International, Tacoma Facility.