SEATTLE – Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment accepted the Coast Guard’s newest multi-mission platform, Response Boat – Medium (RB-M) CG-45602, in Ilwaco, Wash., August 7, 2008, three days after celebrating the service’s 218th birthday.
Station Cape Disappointment received the boat based on the challenges posed by its heavy weather operations. The RB-M is a multi-mission boat that will operate in coastal zones, which include inshore and inland waterways and open ocean out to 50-nautical-miles. This self-righting, 45-foot all-aluminum boat with twin diesel engines and water jet propulsion will significantly enhance Station Cape Disappointment’s capabilities.
The RB-M will replace the aging 41-foot response boats, which have been the workhorse of Coast Guard boat stations for more than a quarter of a century. Station Cape Disappointment’s boat is the second of approximately 180 boats, half of which will be built in Kent, Wash., by Marinette Marine Corporation’s major subcontractor, Kvichak Marine Industries of Seattle.
The RB-M comes to Station Cape Disappointment after rigorous design and testing. With a full cabin providing protection from the elements, a robust navigation system, heating and air conditioning, shock absorbing seats and a communication system compatible with other federal, state and local agencies, the RB-M provides greatly enhanced capability for Coast Guard boat stations. Primary missions for the RB-M include search and rescue; ports, waterways and coastal security; defense readiness, and marine environmental protection.