Special Boat Unit 20 (SBU 20), Detachment Charlie (Det C) recently deployed to the Mediterranean area of operations aboard USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13). The seven members of the Det brought a full complement of equipment with them on their six month deployment. The cornerstone of their mission are the eleven meter Naval Special Warfare, Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). Known as "Diablo I" and "Diablo II", these RHIBs are an important part of the overall mission package that comes packed aboard SBU 20 Det C.

RHIB works with combat swimmers

While the mission varies depending upon need, their principle mission while in NASHVILLE is to provide the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) a high speed, jet driven boat to support Special Operations where and when needed. These operations can range from insertion and extraction of Reconnaissance (RECON) teams to Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) and picket or ship security duty.

As an example of its diverse mission capability, Det C was recently involved in a joint training exercise with the Navy SEALs, Marine RECON Units, and Marine helicopter crews from the ARG. Acting as ready safety boats, Diablo I and II kept watch as both SEALs and Marine RECON units dropped Combat Rigid Raiding Craft (CRRC) from hovering helicopters, followed closely by the personnel from these units. A total of three passes were made by the helicopters, while the Marines made up the first and third passes the SEALs, with some Det C personnel attached, comprised the middle pass.

Regardless of the time, place, or severity of mission, SBU 20, Det C is ready to execute their special mission with unmatched expertise.