ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Coast Guard’s newest rescue boat arrived at Station San Francisco Thursday, Aug. 25, to a crew ready to take it out for a spin in the Bay. The boat, whose official designator is Response Boat-Medium, is the 67th delivery to the Coast Guard.
Suited to the hazardous conditions in Northern California, the multi-mission boat’s key features include the ability to self-right, improved maneuverability and a 46 mile per hour speed capability, approximately ten miles per hour faster than the older Coast Guard response boats the RB-M is replacing. The RB-M is also designed to navigate coastal zones, inshore and inland waterways, and can operate up to 50 nautical miles from shore.
“The RB-M will certainly improve response capabilities for our station,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Devin Spencer, Officer in Charge of Station San Francisco. “We look forward to completing the in-depth training process necessary to operate this new boat.”
Made of aluminum, the boat comes equipped with twin diesel engines and water-jet propulsion. More importantly, the RB-M’s communication system is compatible with federal, state and local agencies. The RB-M provides enhanced capability for Coast Guard small boat stations.
The Pentagon Channel covers the introduction of the 45-foot Response Boat-Medium in Washington, D.C., Sept. 25, 2008.
