U.S. Coast Guard dedicates new small boat, Station Honolulu improves response capabilities

HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a blessing and dedication ceremony for their 45-foot small boat at Coast Guard Station Honolulu, Wednesday.

The 45-foot "Response Boat Medium" (RB-M) is the newest platform onboard the small boat station which also houses the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) and the 25-foot Response Boat Small (RB-S).

The RB-M is a relatively new boat to the Coast Guard, and with the improved design, new ergonomics, and enhanced safety features allow boatcrew members to perform multiple missions more effectively and serve as a complement to the MLB and the RB-S.

The RB-M has twin diesel water-jet engines that give it a top speed of around 40 knots and a range of about 50 nautical miles. It also has a fully enclosed, climate-controlled cabin that includes four special shock-absorbing seats to help its crew endure sea pounding.

The MLB is well suited to the windy and heavy weather conditions routinely encountered offshore of the Island of Oahu. It is primarily designed for fast response in high seas and can self-right in less than 30 seconds. RB-S is a reliable platform for operating closer to shore and within the narrow and shallow waterways of Oahu.

U.S. Coast Guard personnel from Sector Honolulu, Air Station Barbers Point, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Hal Barnes, Oahu’s mayor representative, are scheduled to join Station Honolulu crewmembers in the ceremony. There will be a blessing by Rev.  M. J. Kimo Keawe and remarks by Chief Petty Officer Robert Downs, Station Honolulu's officer in charge, and Capt. Barry Compagnoni, Captain of the Port for the 14^th Coast Guard District.

“This new addition to Station Honolulu gives the boatcrews the best tools available to perform their duties effectively,” said Downs. “With the new communication system compatible with other federal, state and local agencies, the RB-M will greatly enhance capabilities.”  

Members of the media are invited to attend the blessing and dedication ceremony at Station Honolulu at 9:30 a.m. at Base Support Unit Honolulu, on Sand Island.

All media interested in attending are asked to contact the public affairs staff in Honolulu at 808-535-3230.

For more information regarding the RB-M click here.