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Meet the new CCM Mk1 naval special warfare craft of the US Special Forces

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In Focus - USSOCOM's CCM Mk1
 
 
 
Meet the new CCM Mk1 naval special warfare craft of the US Special Forces
 
One year from now, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will commission its first Combatant Craft Medium Mark 1 (or CCM Mk1): A new generation of special warfare craft that is set to replace the ageing fleet of Special Operation Command’s Mark V boats as well as RHIBs for select missions. Navy Recognition contacted the USSOCOM to learn more about the CCM Mk1, the US Special Forces craft of the 21st century.
     
One year from now, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will commission its first Combatant Craft Medium Mark 1 (or CCM Mk1): A new generation of special warfare craft that is set to replace the ageing fleet of Special Operation Command’s Mark V boats as well as RHIBs for select missions. Navy Recognition contacted the USSOCOM to learn more about the CCM Mk1, the US Special Forces craft of the 21st century.
Combatant Craft Medium Mark 1
Picture: US Special Operations Command Public Affairs
     
In Febuary 2014, Oregon Iron Works, Inc. announced it was selected by the U.S. Special Operations Command to provide the CCM Mk1 to support naval special warfare operations and personnel.

A USSOCOM public affairs Officer explained to Navy Recognition that the CCM Mk1 main missions will be "to provide small-caliber gunfire support, infiltrate and exfiltrate Special Operation Forces, conduct VBSS (Visit, board, search, and seizure), special reconnaissance, coastal patrol and interdiction, counter terrorism operations, and FID (Foreign Internal Defense).

While the CCM Mk1 can not be deployed (para-dropped) by C-130 or C-17 aircraft, there are provisions to deploy it at sea from a "mothership": Platforms such as San Antonio class LPD, Wasp class LHD or even the USS Ponce (acting as Interirm Afloat Forward Staging Base) may be used to deploy CCM Mk1 boats with up to 19 Navy Seals on board.
     
One year from now, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will commission its first Combatant Craft Medium Mark 1 (or CCM Mk1): A new generation of special warfare craft that is set to replace the ageing fleet of Special Operation Command’s Mark V boats as well as RHIBs for select missions. Navy Recognition contacted the USSOCOM to learn more about the CCM Mk1, the US Special Forces craft of the 21st century.
The CCM Mk1 has a crew of 4 and can transport up to 19 Navy Seals or SOCOM operators and their equipment. Picture: US Special Operations Command Public Affairs
     
The current validated requirement of USSOCOM is for 10 hulls. There is only one variant of the CCM Mk1 for now and Mk2 version planned at this time. All vessels will initially be based in San Diego. Each craft will receive a unique hull registry number (but they won't receive names). U.S. Special Operations Command’s Special Operation Research and Development Acquisition Center (SORDAC) Maritime Surface Systems Program Office is currently conducting scheduled testing of the Combatant Craft Medium (CCM). The first hull is set to be commissioned in 4th Quarter 2015.

In May 2014, Leidos was awarded a subcontract for production of low observable systems, integration and testing of craft tactical computing systems, full life-cycle integrated logistics support, and incremental development and upgrades. In April 2014, Kongsberg was selected to deliver its C4I CORTEX for the Combatant Craft Medium Mark One program.
     
One year from now, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will commission its first Combatant Craft Medium Mark 1 (or CCM Mk1): A new generation of special warfare craft that is set to replace the ageing fleet of Special Operation Command’s Mark V boats as well as RHIBs for select missions. Navy Recognition contacted the USSOCOM to learn more about the CCM Mk1, the US Special Forces craft of the 21st century.
According to the USSOCOM, standard weapon that may be fitted on board include: M2HB, M240G (FN MAG) and Mk 19 grenade launchers. A 12.7mm remote weapon station is fitted at the bow. Picture: US Special Operations Command Public Affairs
     
CCM Mk1 main characteristics (as provided by USSOCOM):
Length: approximately 60’
Speed: 40
Range: 400 nautical miles
Crew: 4
Payload: 7750 lbs.
Passengers: up to 19
Engine: Twin forced induction diesel engines driving props
Hull: Double step hull made of aluminum

CCM Mk1 design seems to be focused on low observability with a very low profile and sleek lines. According to the USSOCOM, standard weapon that may be fitted on board include: M2HB, M240G (FN MAG) and Mk 19 grenade launchers. A 12.7mm remote weapon station is fitted at the bow.

A FLIR sensor as well as HF/VHF/UHF communication antennas and navigation radar (under a stealth cupola) are installed on top of the pilothouse and cabin compartment.

Finally the current white/light grey collor of the CCM Mk1 hull will remain the same when the craft enters operational service.