Silver Ships, Mobile, Ala., has recently completed reactivation and crew familiarization training of three Coastal Fast Response Boats (CFRBs) that were delivered to the Guatemalan Navy. Training took place for two weeks and culminated with a graduation ceremony attended by officials from the Guatemalan Navy.
The vessels feature specialized communications and navigation equipment, an enclosed cabin and a WING collar system. They are powered by twin Caterpillar C7.1 500-hp marine diesel engines and HamiltonJet HJX-29 waterjets. The C7.1 diesels provide efficient fuel combustion, quieter operation and no visible smoke when running. The engines were supplied by Silver Ships’ partner Thompson Marine, Spanish Fort, Ala.
The three custom-designed, 43' military CFRBs will be used for coastal and harbor patrol, as well as law enforcement duties involving the patrol of Guatemala’s coastline along the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
New to the Silver Ships’ product line, CFRBs are large, fast cabin vessels that amplify the features of Silver Ships’ Endeavor and Ambar series vessels. The CFRB platform is versatile and can be tailored to specific mission needs.
The CFRB vessels were procured under a contract award worth $6.12 million from the Naval Sea Systems Command. There are two variants in this project — the Montenegro and Guatemala variants — which differ mainly in their electrical systems, which need to be compatible with in-country electrical grids. The vessels were designed and constructed as a part of the U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
“It has been very rewarding to get these vessels reactivated for the highly professional Guatemalan Navy,” Shawn Lobree, Silver Ships director of federal programs and retired U.S. Navy captain, said in a statement announcing the deliveries. “They hand-selected their CFRB crews based on experience and ability to work together as a team. This Navy is small but very capable and these boats will serve as workhorses as they fulfill their diverse coastal patrol missions.”
Another key partner is Anchor Innovation, Virginia Beach, Va. Anchor provided two highly experienced mariners to spearhead the training sessions on Silver Ships’ behalf: U.S. Coast Guard veteran Capt. Royce Potter and U.S. Navy veteran Michael Hoar.
“Anchor Innovation is proud to partner with the Guatemalan Navy in strengthening maritime security and operational readiness,” said Robert Kress, Anchor Innovation Chief Financial Officer. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to supporting allies with the tools, training and expertise needed to protect vital waterways and ensure regional stability.”
As CFRB project manager for Silver Ships, Lobree helped plan the reactivation and training and worked closely with Anchor to support the Guatemalan Navy’s needs throughout. According to Potter and Hoar, the sailors caught on quickly, were eager to learn, and showed great morale during the two weeks of training.
