U.S.
Navy Fact File
Mark
V Special Operations Craft
Description: The Mark V is used to carry Special
Operations Forces (SOF), primarily SEAL combat swimmers,
into and out of operations where the threat to these
forces is considered to be low to medium. They also
support limited coastal patrol and interruption of enemy
activities.
Background: The MARK V Special Operations
Craft (SOC) is the newest, versatile, high performance
combatant craft introduced into the Naval Special
Warfare (NSW) Special Boat Squadron (SBR) inventory
to improve maritime special operations capabilities.
MARK Vs are organized into detachments comprised
of two boats, crews and a deployment support package
mounted on cargo transporters. The detachment can
be delivered in-theater rapidly by two C-5 aircraft,
by a well or flight deck equipped surface ships and,
if appropriate, under their own power. The detachment
can be deployable within 48 hours of notification
and ready for operations within 24 hours of arrival
at a forward operating base. They can operate from
shore facilities, from well-deck equipped ships or
from ships with appropriate crane and deck space capabilities.
The MARK Vs are a result of a streamlined acquisition
effort managed by the United States Special Operations
Command (USSOCOM) Special Operations Acquisition Executive
(SOAE). From the awarding of the contract to actual
possession of the first boat took only 18 months.
General
Characteristics:
Length: 82 feet
Beam: 17 feet 6 inches
Weight: 57 tons
Speed: 50 knots
