Members of the media were invited to participate in the launch and get underway on a new law enforcement and search and rescue vessel at Coast Guard Station New York on Staten Island Friday, Dec. 19, 2008 at 10 a.m.
The 45-foot Response Boat – Medium (RB-M) was delivered to Coast Guard Station New York on Dec. 11, 2008 and is the third initiative in the Response Boats 2010 strategic vision and transition plan.
“If you look at the 41-foot and 45-foot vessels side by side, you can definitely see that our new response boat is much more advanced,” said Lt. Patrick Gallagher, Station New York’s executive officer. “The vessel is much faster and more maneuverable, has integrated communications and easier access to Coast Guard systems. It is self-righting unlike the 41-footer and can handle more extreme weather conditions.”
The first RB-M was delivered to Station Little Creek in Virginia Beach, VA, in April 2008, initiating delivery of an anticipated 180 RB-Ms over the next seven years. The RB-M will re-capitalize capabilities of the existing multi-mission 41-foot Utility Boat’s and other non-standard boats.