HISTORY


BSU-1


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BOAT SUPPORT UNIT - ONE

Boat Support Unit ONE - History

Special Boat Squadron ONE was originally established by CNO on 01 February 1964 as Boat Support Unit ONE, a component command of Naval Operations Support Groups, Pacific. Its mission was to administer the newly reinstated PTF (Patrol Torpedo Fast) Boat program and to operate high speed craft in support of Naval Special Warfare Operations, this primarily in conjunction with UDT and SEAL units. The missions were soon expanded to include all aspects of riverine and restricted water warfare. ptfbsu1photo4.jpg (32578 bytes)

The PTF program grew rapidly, beginning with four "Nasty" class PTF's in the fall of 1964. Crews attended schools in the San Diego area, then deployed to Subic Bay, Philippines, to put their boats in service and prepare for operational commitments, As a result of events in the Tonkin Gulf, there had been a great demand for simulated PTF type attacks for training, and Boat Support Unit ONE was tasked with providing such services.

In September 1965, Boat Support Unit ONE implemented the original training for PCF (Swift) crews in underway boat operation for duty as part of the MARKET TIME patrol in Vietnam, using eight Swift Boats. On 01 July 1971, Boat Support Unit One was re-designated Coastal River Squadron ONE and its mission broadened to encompass coastal/riverine patrol and warfare.

The command was instrumental in the development and evaluation of a wide variety of small boat projects. These included the Landing Craft Swimmer Recovery Vehicle (LCSR); Coastal Patrol and Interdiction Craft (CPIC); Swimmer Delivery Vehicle, Auxilliary (LCU/ASDV), which continues to serve as a mothership for SEALS and Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDV), providing compressed air and diver recompression emergency services; and the FLAGSTAFF (PGB-1), one of the Navy's first operational hydrofoils.

In May 1976, Coastal River Squadron ONE received the first of a projected 8 new 65 foot patrol boats, all of which are operational. Total acquisition was completed in 1980. The PB carries out the Coastal Patrol Interdiction mission of the command.

In October 1978 Coastal River Squadron ONE became Special Boat Squadron ONE, spawning three commissioned units, Special Boat Unit ELEVEN, (Mare Island, San Francisco); TWELVE, and THIRTEEN (Reserve Training Component).

Special Boat Unit TWELVE supports Special Warfare training requirements in the Western Pacific in support of COHSEVENTHFLT and the Amphibious Ready Groups. These tasks have become of increased tactical value with the introduction of the Special Warfare Craft, Light (SEAFOX). Deliveries of this craft began in March of 1982. SEAFOX is the first boat specifically designed to support SEAL Team operations and is a marked improvement in combat capability over other available craft in its size class.

COMMAND HISTORY

Special Boat Squadron ONE was originally established by CNO on 1 February 1964 as Boat Support Unit ONE, a component command of Naval Operations Support Groups, Pacific. Its mission was to administer the newly reinstated PTF (Patrol Torpedo Fast) Boat program and to operate high-speed craft in support of Naval Special Warfare Operations, this primarily in conjunction with UDT and SEAL units. The missions were soon expanded to include all aspects of riverine and restricted water warfare. The PTF program grew rapidly, beginning with four “Nasty” class PTF’s in the fall of 1964. Crews attended schools in the San Diego area, then deployed to Subic Bay, Philippines, to put their boats in service and prepare for operational commitments. As a result of events in the Tonkin Gulf, there had been a great demand for simulated PTF type attacks for training, and Boat Support Unit ONE was tasked with providing such services. In September 1965, Boat Support Unit ONE implemented the original training for PCF (Swift) crews in underway boat operation for duty as part of the MARKET TIME patrol in Vietnam, using eight Swift Boats. On 1 July 1971, Boat Support Unit ONE was re-designated Coastal River Squadron ONE and its mission broadened to encompass coastal/riverine patrol and warfare.

The command was instrumental in the development and evaluation of a wide variety of small boat projects. These included the Landing Craft Swimmer Recovery Vessel (LCSR); Coastal Patrol and Interdiction Craft (CPIC); Swimmer Delivery Vehicle, Auxiliary (LCU/ASDV), which continues to serve as a mother ship for SEAL/UDT mini-subs, providing compressed air and diver recompression emergency services; and the FLAGSTAFF (PCH-l), one of the Navy’s first operational hydrofoils.

In May 1976, Coastal River Squadron ONE received the first of a projected 8 new 65-foot patrol boats, 6 of which have been received and have been operational for over 2 years. Total acquisition will be completed in May 1979. The PB is ex­pected to carry the Coastal Interdiction/Patrol mission of the command well through the next decade. In September 1976, FLAGSTAFF (PGH-l) was transferred to the Coast Guard. During January 1977, USS CANNON (PG-90), USS GALLUP (PG-85), and two “Trumpy” class PTF’s were retired from service.

In October 1978 Coastal River Squadron ONE became Special Boat Squadron ONE, spawning three commissioned units; Special Boat Units ELEVEN, (Mare Island, San Francisco), TWELVE, and THIRTEEN (Reserve Training Component).

Special Boat Unit TWELVE performs its mission of Coastal Patrol and interdiction, UDT/SEAL Team support and diving qualification support with various craft assigned including two auxiliary swimmer, deployment vehicle tenders (ASDV), two patrol torpedo craft (PTF), three Specter class patrol boats and various smaller craft. The unit also maintains a detachment (Mobile Support Team Three) in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines of one officer and ten enlisted personnel who support UDT/SEAL Team training in the Western Pacific.

More History and BSU-1 Alumni List at www.warboats.org .