View non-flash version
Three Navy Patrol Boats Delivered By Swiftships The Morgan City, La., yard of Swiftships, Inc. recently delivered to the U.S. Navy three 65-foot, all- aluminum patrol vessels. These boats were then presented by the Naval Sea Systems Command rep- resentative to the Governments of Antigua, Dominica, and St. Lucia for service in those West Indies nations. Lt. Com. Wayne K. Gibson, U.S. Coast Guard liaison officer, Military Liaison Office Barbados, and coordinator for the project Technical Assistance Field Team, explained that he and his nine Coast Guard personnel would ac- company the 18 West Indies per- sonnel to their appointed destina- tions, acting in a advisory capacity on the trip. The West Indies crews spent four weeks at the shipyard training as part of the contract. The Morgan City yard has accom- modations for 18 persons, which includes two single staterooms for senior officers and two bunkrooms, each outfitted to sleep 18 person- nel. The facility is equipped with a full kitchen and dining/training room. The Coast Guard program in- cludes a one-year training pro- gram in the West Indies nations upon the vessels' arrival. Lt. Com. Gibson stated that the vessels demonstrated quality design and workmanship, and were "a shin- ing example of American indus- try." He said the boats would be put to work immediately after reaching their destinations, and would be a valuable asset in res- cue and patrol operations. With a beam of 18 feet 4 inches, depth of 10 feet, and full-load draft of 5 feet, each vessel is powered by twin GM Detroit Diesel 12V71TI engines producing a total of 675 bhp to drive two Columbian crew- boat propellers through Twin Disc MG514C reverse/reduction gears. Electrical needs are served by a 20-kw Detroit Diesel/International Electric generator set. The main engines, gears, and genset were supplied by Stewart & Stephenson. Each boat has a capacity for 1,200 gallons of fuel oil and 500 gallons of fresh water. Swiftships president Jerry Hoffpauir said that these are the type vessels that have established his company as a leader in the partol boat field. Swiftships has long been known for its fast alu- minum patrol craft ranging in size from 28 to 150 feet, and used by the U.S. armed forces, and naval, coast guard, and police forces is some 20 countries throughout the world. In the Caribbean area, Swift- ships has delivered vessels to Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Colom- bia, Jamaica, Venezuela, and Haiti. At present, the shipyard is in the completion stages of vessels for Venezuela, El Salvador, and Do- minican Republic. In addition to its construction and logistic support capabilities, Swiftships provides retrofit and re- pair services both in the U.S. and overseas. 65-Foot Patrol Boats Major Suppliers Main Engines (2) Detroit Diesel Reduction gears (2) Twin Disc Propellers (2) Columbian Generator International Electric Generator engine Detroit Steering system Vickers/Charlynn Engine controls Panish C02 system Safety & Health Main switchboard Power Panels Coatings International Radar Raytheon VHF-FM Sailor SSB Sunai VHF/UHF/SAT Motorola ADF Canadian Marconi Fathometer Lowrance Speed log Signet Watchkeeper receiver Intech 32 Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
