US Military ELITE SPECIAL OPERATIONS units promo video
A great promotional video of the
US Navy elite special operations units.
The U.S. Navy's special warfare combatant-craft crewmen (
SWCC, pronounced "
Swick") is a
Special Operations Force that operates and maintains an inventory of small craft used to support special operations missions, particularly those of the
U.S. Navy SEALs.[1] Individually, SEALs and SWCC go through separate specialized training programs that emphasize special operations in the maritime environment. SWCC are trained extensively in craft and weapons tactics, techniques, and procedures. Focusing on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where large ships cannot operate. SWCC must be physically fit, highly motivated, combat-focused, and responsive in high-stress situations.
History[edit]
A fast patrol craft on Cai Ngay canal during the
Vietnam War in
1970
Special boat teams can trace their history back to
World War II.
Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three rescued
General Douglas MacArthur (and later the
Filipino president) from the
Philippines after the
Japanese invasion and then participated in guerilla actions until
American resistance ended with the fall of
Corregidor. PT boats subsequently participated in most of the campaigns in the
Southwest Pacific by conducting and supporting joint/combined reconnaissance, blockade, sabotage, and raiding missions as well as attacking Japanese shore facilities, shipping, and combatants. PT boats were used in the
European Theater beginning in
April 1944 to support the
Office of Strategic Services in the insertion of espionage and
French Resistance personnel and for amphibious landing deception. While there is no direct line between organizations,
United States Naval Special Warfare Command embracement is predicated on the similarity in craft and mission.[clarification needed]
The development of a robust riverine warfare capability during the Vietnam War produced the forerunner of the modern special warfare combatant-craft crewman.
Mobile support teams provided combat craft support for
SEAL operations, as did patrol boat, river (
PBR) and patrol craft, fast (
PCF) sailors. In
February 1964,
Boat Support Unit One was established under Naval
Operations Support Group,
Pacific to operate the newly reinstated patrol torpedo fast (
PTF) program and to operate high-speed craft in support of
NSW forces. In late 1964 the first PTFs arrived in
Da Nang, Vietnam. In
1965, Boat Support Squadron One began training patrol craft fast crews for
Vietnamese coastal patrol and interdiction operations. As the
Vietnam mission expanded into the riverine environment, additional craft, tactics, and training evolved for riverine patrol and SEAL support.[2]
SWCC in the special operations craft, riverine
SWCC detachments have participated in nearly every major conflict since then, particularly in the
Persian Gulf theatre during the
1987–
1988 period of conflict and the
1991 Gulf War to the more recent
War on Terrorism. In
August 1996 while attached to
USS Sides during counter drug operations in
Colombia,
Special Boat Squadron 1 (
SBS1) came under attack in the
Antioquia Valley region by members of
FARC, Colombia's revolutionary movement, while conducting field operations. Six SBS1 members held off a force of approximately
150 rebels. The battle lasted for three days and nights and members of SBS1 found themselves surrounded and cut off from each other on several occasions.
Short of ammunition and water, SBS1 held on until first light on day three, regrouped and counter-attacked, punching a
hole in the FARC defense line and linking up with Colombian special forces sent there to assist them. An estimated 43 FARC rebels were killed during the battle and four were captured with only one team member being wounded. Members of the team were cited for their heroism and bravery.
Special warfare boat operator (SB) rating[edit]
The
Global War on Terrorism was the impetus for several important changes in the NSW community. One of these many changes was the creation of a new SB rating system for
SWCCs, which allows them to focus on their unique skill sets, to avoid limitations and constraints imposed by the old regime of "source ratings", to reach consensus and unity within the profession, and to allow them to enjoy advancement opportunities on par with the rest of the Navy.
Special warfare combatant-craft crewman warfare specialty[edit]
Another important development was the recognition of the knowledge, skills, and training of SWCC crewmen as a warfare specialty, represented by the
NEC 5352 and later denoted by the award of a military device or service badge.
For a brief period qualified sailors were awarded no device; boat captain-qualified sailors wore the small craft insignia originally