MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The air station recently showcased its newest asset in its mission to safeguard the harbor. The Harbor Patrol Boat was officially unveiled and christened here Dec. 20 as dignitaries of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Japanese Coast Guard looked on.
The Harbor Patrol Boat is a unique, one-of-a-kind vessel, which will be used to patrol the harbor and make sure the harbor stays secure. It outclasses many boats of similar size.
“We ran the boat hard,” said Chief Petty Officer Grandvedour N. Price, officer- in-charge of harbor operations.
The vessel was often pushed to its limits by the personnel to test its capabilities and maneuverability.
“It handles like a sports car would on the road,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class William Martin, assistant chief engineer for harbor operations. “The maneuverability of this boat is unlike any other boat that we have.”
The introduction of the HPB-1 will further enhance harbor security.
“The boats that we had here were not equipped to be used as force protection boats,” Price said.
“This is the granddaddy of all boats for security,” Price said. “It has a lot of capabilities that the other boats don’t have. It has three M240 mounts and night vision capabilities. We can carry more packs onboard. Safety has definitely increased.”
The HPB-1 also has two 350 horsepower turbo-jet engines, enabling the boat to reach a top speed of 46 knots when empty. These engines also enable the boat to make sudden, abrupt stops or make quick, sharp, 180-degree turns in the need of an emergency, such as a man overboard or target engagement. Also, a total of 11 personnel or 3,500 pounds can be seated in the vessel.
All members of harbor operations will be qualified to drive the boat if need be, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Allen B. Hawkins, chief engineer for harbor operations.
The boat’s overall goal of safeguarding will still be a top priority as far as harbor operations mission is concerned.
Price also said that the boat’s mission would not deviate from its original purpose of being a force protection boat. A brief would be put together by several personnel to reinforce this and also give a distinctive and concrete outline on the vessel’s responsibilities.
The HPB-1 arrived several months behind schedule due to the sophistication of the vessel. However, the boat was still put through the paces to ensure it is able to perform to expectations.