Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC) oversaw the successful completion of a continuous maintenance availability of the MK VI Patrol Boat 1202, which got underway July 5 from Colonna's Shipyard in Norfolk.

The craft, operated by Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 4, is the first of its kind and one of six crafts that will be shared amongst the fleet to ensure support across all areas of naval responsibility.

"While dry-docked at Colonna's Shipyard, the boat underwent cleaning to its fuel, sewage and potable water tanks with the hull being repainted for preservation," said Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) Type Desk Officer Lt. Cmdr. John Brown. "The [boat's] Hamilton propulsion jets were also overhauled by replacing the seals, washers, and anodes to prevent rusting."

In addition, a few areas of the ship underwent reinforcement welding to ensure the integrity of the boat while on its journey abroad. As a part of the MK VI's preparation for its upcoming mission, it was also dry-docked in mid-June at Dynamic dry dock (AFDL 6) located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

"This was a culmination of 18 months of work and preparation," said MARMC's Dynamic Commanding Officer Lt. Edward Menezes. "The Dynamic crew had never brought in a craft like this one before, and they effectively set up a new shore power rig as well as executed a new block build to bring the boat safely into dry dock."

This block build will prove important if the ship suffers casualties while abroad and needs to be dry-docked for emergent repairs, explained Brown.

"If the ship needs to be docked overseas for any reason, what we accomplished today gave us the data needed to be able to replicate its docking in the future without having to waste time and resources figuring it out on the fly," said Brown. "Dynamic was great helping to accomplish this goal and has given us outstanding support throughout the entire process."

With evolving work packages and continuous changes in schedules, Dynamic's flexibility in operation makes it a great resource for the new patrol boats.

"We demonstrated that the dock build works; moving forward, we can bring more MK VIs to Dynamic to assist with maintenance and repairs," said Menezes. "The crew and support that exist at this dry dock is outstanding -- we are always here to ensure our ships on the waterfront are mission ready."

The Navy is set to receive another MK VI on the East coast this fall, with Dynamic being the primary repair platform available to the craft.

"The mission of these craft is to serve as high speed vessel escorts," said Brown. "They operate in at various locations to protect U.S. assets. Additionally, they can be modified to support other mission requirements set by the operational commanders."

The MK VI is a versatile and important part of the Navy's advanced technology defense system. These boats can provide stealth-like structural security for buildings along the waterfront and can execute long distance support missions, which may require the craft to travel as far as 600 nautical miles without refueling.

MARMC will continue to work with several of the CRSs and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command to ensure the readiness of future MK VIs in the region.

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