EASTPORT, Maine – Congressman Mike Michaud will be joined by Captain Jim McPherson, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Northern New England, to mark the arrival of a new 45-foot Response Boat – Medium (RB-M), during an event at U.S. Coast Guard Station Eastport Monday, June, 6th, at 11:00 a.m.
The RB-M is the first of its kind to arrive in Maine and will replace the 41-foot Utility Boat previously in use.
Station Eastport’s RB-M, built by Kvichak Marine Industries in Kent, WA, is the 56th RB-M to be delivered throughout the Coast Guard’s fleet.
The RB-M is a multi-mission boat that will operate in coastal zones out to 50-nautical miles. The self-righting all-aluminum boat has twin diesel engines with water jet propulsion and has a top speed of 42.5 knots. It also includes numerous crew and passenger comfort details, including a full cabin, heating and air conditioning, and shock-mitigating seats. Primary missions for the RB-M include Search and Rescue; Ports, Waterways, and Coastal Security; Defense Readiness; and Marine Environmental Protection.
“The crew of Station Eastport couldn’t be more excited to receive the RB-M,” said Chief Austin Olmstead, the officer in charge of Station Eastport. “The new boat will significantly enhance our response capabilities and the crew’s comfort while performing missions in a very demanding and challenging environment. This is the first boat of its kind for the state of Maine, and will certainly benefit the people and communities of Eastport, Lubec, and the surrounding areas.”
