The US Navy has received a new Advanced Range Support Vessel from Marine Group Boat Works, strengthening its ability to conduct offshore weapons trials and other maritime test activities. The aluminum vessel was built at the company’s shipyard in Chula Vista, California. Designed for range-support missions, the craft includes an open aft deck that can accommodate the deployment of aerial and surface targets. A hydraulic crane installed aboard the vessel will assist personnel with recovering targets after testing. The vessel was assembled and tested in accordance with American Bureau of Shipping commercial requirements, with the US Coast Guard providing additional inspection oversight. Following its entry into service, the vessel will operate in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at the Point Mugu Sea Range. Its introduction is expected to improve the Navy’s ability to conduct sea-based evaluations of advanced weapons and associated technologies.
