Commissioning Program Created for Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen  By Naval Special Warfare Group Two Public Affairs Office  LITTLE CREEK, Va. (NNS) --

It's been a little over a year since the Navy formally recognized the Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) Program with its own designator. SWCC are responsible for operating a variety of small boats in direct support of Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. 

The Navy has recognized that as the community matures it will need technical experts to help lead and guide its Sailors. The first SWCC Chief Warrant Officers will be announced in fiscal year '04. The first packages will be accepted during fiscal year '03. 

"This is a great opportunity for SWCC professional development," said Command Master Chief Brian Brackett, Naval Special Warfare Group Four. "This is a highly motivated community with highly capable Sailors." 

Sailors must meet all existing requirements, however, Brackett suggests other competitive qualification, such as: patrol officer qualification (not craft specific), serving as the Leading Chief Petty Officer in a Special Boat Detachment and successful deployments and assignments. 

The newly commissioned Chief Warrant Officers will initially fill billets as Mark V Special Operations Craft Detachment Officers-In-Charge (OIC). 

"By having Chief Warrants with the SWCC background as the OIC, it would provide the crew more consistent leadership and cut down on time needed to get the new OIC up to standard for the boat," said Brackett. 

Currently, the OIC positions are held by line officers which are in need for other ships and leadership positions within the community. 

The Chief Warrant program will "allow the men to come up through the ranks and give them additional responsibility," Brackett said. 

"This program offers more leadership opportunities and independent duty," said Cmdr. Patrick Sullivan, commanding officer of Special Boat Team 20. 

"A lot of thought has been put into the role of the Chief Warrant Officer within the community," Brackett said. With roots back through the Brown Water Navy in Vietnam and World War II, the SWCC community is an integral part of Naval Special Warfare. 

"The [Warrant] program will benefit everyone and should have a positive impact, quickly felt Navy wide," Brackett said. 

For more information about the SWCC Chief Warrant Officer Commissioning program check out www.bupers.navy.mil/pers211/index.htm . For additional information about Navy SEALs and SWCCs go to www.seal.navy.mil. 

For related news, visit the Naval Special Warfare Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nsw .