Richard L. Becker
Supports US Navy Dive Operations
In late May of 2008, TowBoatU.S. Ft Lauderdale's 96' OSV, M/V Richard L. Becker was chartered by contractors for the U.S. Navy. The mission was to support a 12 man dive team for thirty days at the South Tongue of the Ocean Acoustic Facility located 90 miles off the coast of Andros Island in the Bahamas. In early March, the vessel's crew along with TowBoatU.S. Ft Lauderdale's Director of Operations, Kevin Collins went to work preparing the vessel for the charter. Up until this time the Richard L. Becker had a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection allowing up to 8 charter passengers for overnight voyages. The guest quarters have been reconfigured, 4 bunks were added and each of the Coast Guard's requirements were met resulting in an official amendment to the vessel's COI allowing her to carry up to 12 passengers on overnight voyages. Additional fresh food refrigeration and freezer storage space was added to the vessel at this time as well which allowed the boat to stay at sea longer while still providing the same high quality meals that the crew has become well known for!
Working in concert with the Naval Underwater construction team, Air Detachment Alfa and the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center; the crew of the Richard L. Becker assisted in the installation of a new acoustic measuring system. A series of cables, conduits and a Junction box were installed and safely moored on the sea bottom free of any environmental hazards. The successful installation accomplished a crucial upgrade to a U.S. Navy test and evaluation facility. Navy officials report that projects like this help to insure that the U.S. Navy's submarine force maintains its global superiority and continue to enhance our national security.
The Richard L. Becker is available for hourly, daily or long term charter from her home Port in Port Everglades Florida. Contact TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale directly at 954-783-7821 to learn more about this vessel or any of the company's other vessels that are available for charter ranging in size from 26' to 96'.
