Special Boat Unit 20 is
located at the Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek, Norfolk, VA. This
units' primary tasks are the support of special warfare units and
fleet training in patrol boat tactics. In addition this unit
provides a great deal of test and evaluation service expertise,
assisting in the development of new weapons and procedures. Craft
inventory includes 82 foot MK V Special Operations Craft and 44 24
foot and 11 meter Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RIBs). SBU-20 craft
and crews are continuously deployed throughout the Atlantic and
European theaters.
From Scott Sawyer -
Just some quick back ground, I served aboard MKIII PB'S in
the Persian Gulf aboard a mobile barge for operation
ERNIST WILL which was the re-flagging of 11 Kuwait
tankers for protection during the Iran/Iraq conflict. I also
served aboard PB 759/778 during operation JUST CAUSE
in Panama. This was the last time that MKIII patrol boats
were used in combat. I have photos transiting the canal, but
many are personal. I would have to search my data base for
suitable pics for you. I do have a few.
More Info.
Added
08-19-07
First Version
Patch
2nd Version
Final Version
SEAFOX recovers combat
swimmers
SEAFOX
recovers combat swimmers this method was
developed by the UDT in WWII
SEAFOX and
MKIII PB the NSW Coastal Combatant Craft of
the 1980s
In the early 90s the 24'
Willard RHIB became a SEAL Support Craft for
SBU-20
SBU-20 30'
RHIB in the Mid-1990s handles sea states
well but still wet and cold and a rough ride
on the Boatguys
a good view of of a 30' RHIB
of SBU-20 in the Mid 1990s and standard
craft for MARG deployments
1995 SBU-20
got its first MKVSOC
Highland RIB
Detachment
RIBS in the Mediterranean
Photos below provided by John Foster
Penguin
Missile test and evaluation crew. Lt John Farris
Another view
of Penguins
Another view of Penguins
Stabilized 40mm mount on
PBMKIII
The first Seafox delivered
PMKIIIs capture crew of Iran Ajar
Minelayer in 1987
Op Earnst Will,
Barge Hercules
Barge Hercules NSTWU East
SBU-20's Willard RIBs operating in P.R.
1991-92
12-06-06 Thomas M
Braunscheidel I was stationed in Little Creek VA
at SBU20 from 1982 until 1986. I was assigned to the engine
shop which was support for the Seafox and 65'
Patrol Boats. We did time in Puerto Rico, Zaire Africa,
Scotland, and Honderous. I was detached to Key West for drug
patrols. I completed 8 years active duty and 14 years
reserve retiring in 2000. Prior to SBU20 I was on the USS
Saginaw LST 1188.
My home address is 770 Ridge Road, Ambridge PA 15003 Home
number 724-251-9244
Tom
