For the record
book: ALL MK-V SOC are "officially" disposed of and
have left our lots! The MK-V SOC era has officially
ended.
Attached
document are the paper trail for
971 &
972.
"Well done!" to
all for a cost effective and SAFE transfer of all
craft! The MK-V will continue service for many
more years in different capacities, just no longer
as a combatant craft with Naval Special Warfare.
The decision to
divest of the MK-V SOC was difficult; but the
decision gives USSOCOM and WARCOM the leverage and
fiscal ability to move forward with our "NEXT GEN"
of combatant craft, building on the lessons from the
MK-V SOC and crews, as well as all the craft that
came before her! And our new craft promise to be
VERY capable!
Due to good
planning, some Herculean efforts, and a LOT of
fortuitous luck, a beautiful example of the MK-V SOC
will be available for posterity via the Navy History
and Heritage Command at the UDT/SEAL Museum in Fort
Pierce, Florida! SPECIAL thanks to all those who
made it possible!! MK-V SOC 963 was selected for
"continued service" at the museum since it had the
honor of being a major player during the Gulf War.
Want to know more? Go see it at the museum!
So remember the
MK-V fondly, but look forward to our future.
And always
remember; it is our SEAL's and SWCC's that make the
craft special, and NOT vice versa!
Humbly
submitted,
Mark
Brinkerhoff
Combatant Craft
Manager
COMNAVSPECWARCOM
