Lake Assault Boats, a manufacturer of purpose-built and mission-specific patrol, rescue, and fireboats, has received an order for seven 36-foot patrol vessels from the U.S. Army’s Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) and Military Ocean Terminal Concord (MOTCO).
The first two vessels will be delivered in April 2021; five additional craft will arrive later in the year. The boats will be placed on duty either in Brunswick County, North Carolina, or the eastern San Francisco Bay Area in Concord, California.
Vital shipping points
Military Ocean Terminal bases are vital shipping points serving the United States armed forces worldwide
Military Ocean Terminal bases are vital shipping points serving the United States armed forces worldwide. “We are very excited to receive this follow-up order for seven vessels from the U.S. Army’s Military Ocean Terminal bases,” said Chad DuMars, Lake Assault Boats vice president of operations.
“It’s gratifying and a humbling vote of confidence for our entire organization from our country’s armed forces, after having supplied two identical craft earlier this year.” The seven patrol boats are 36 feet long with a 10-foot beam (including the fendering system).
Triple outboard configuration
The V-hull vessels are powered by triple 250-hp outboard motors and are capable of achieving a top speed of 45 knots. Each features a fully enclosed pilothouse with cuddy cabin and seating for ten personnel. Every craft features dual weapon mounts (one forward and one aft) able to accommodate up to .50 caliber machine guns.
The draft for each boat is no greater than 18 inches when the motors are trimmed up and 24 inches when trimmed down. “Despite their triple outboard configuration – and a combined 750 horsepower – the vessels are able to maneuver in the tidal areas and shallow water bays found at these facilities,” explained DuMars.
