New Lake Erie Coast Guard Boat on Show

The crew of Coast Guard Station Lorain show their new Response Boat-Medium to press and public at their Lake Erie station.

Crew members say they have have been running tests on Lake Erie and have found that the RB-M responds faster than previous boats of similar size, with a top speed in excess of 40 knots. It also is equipped with advanced search capability, including forward-looking infrared search technology. It can handle waves up to 12 feet and can carry as many as 25 people.

Additionally, with twin jet propulsion, the RB-M is able to respond in shallower water, and is self-righting should it capsize.

Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Kondrat, executive petty officer of the station, said the boat is a great addition to the station's existing 25-foot Response Boat-Small. “It really increases our capabilities, with increased technology, and we are able to respond quicker to a better-defined location," Kondrat said.

The RB-M was built by Marinette Marine, of Marinette, Wis.