TowBoatU.S. Launch Provides Service to the USS Bainbridge
TowBoatU.S. Launch service provided personnel and cargo transportation in support of the US Navy's RMS (Remote Minehunting System) testing that took place off the coast of Ft. Lauderdale in September 2008. Daily personnel transfers were accomplished using the company's 46' Launch boat while larger cargo loads were delivered aboard the Richard L. Becker; TowBoatU.S. Ft Lauderdale's 96' OSV.
The 3 week mission involved extensive testing of the Navy's RMS system; a system that is comprised of a Lockheed Martin designed and manufactured RMV (Remote Minehunting Vehicle), a launch and retrieval system for the RMV, an RMV-towed Sonar Sensor and advanced communications equipment that integrates the RMS into the host ship's combat system. This system was designed to help keep sailors aboard forward deployed naval assets out of harms way by detecting and classifying mine threats from a safe distance using an unmanned vehicle. The system is currently installed on the USS Bainbridge; the ship acted as the command center for the duration of the operation resulting in the need for Navy and Civilian personnel and technicians to be transported to and from the Navy's South Florida Test Facility located in Port Everglades.
TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale's charter division was also contracted to provide 4 fast response boats 24 hours a day for the entire duration of the project. These boats were in constant communication with the host ship and their primary role was to insure that recreational boat traffic was clear of the testing area. The captains aboard these 4 boats used VHF radio communications and face to face discussions with the boating public to insure the success and safety of the operation. TowBoatU.S Ft. Lauderdale was proud to be a part of this cutting edge project that could help save the lives of many US Military men and women in the years to come.
Please contact TowboatU.S. Launch Service at 954-783-7821 to arrange for a launch or for more information about the services that are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
