(THEODORE, Ala.) — Silver Ships, a leading manufacturer of military aluminum workboats, has completed, tested and delivered the final assault amphibian safety boat (AASB) for its contract with the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. Silver Ships has now delivered 32 AASBs on time or early since production began in late 2022.
The AASB, a custom-built variant of Silver Ships’ Ambar series, is used for Marine Corps amphibious training with amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) and the follow-on amphibious combat vehicles (ACVs) in the continental United States and overseas. The vessels can carry 28 passengers and have tailored communications, safety and rescue equipment to support offshore and nighttime operations.
Initially developed to meet an urgent operational need for the Marine Corps, the AASB contract was awarded in fall 2022 to support troops in amphibious training, particularly for search and rescue missions. Using an existing Ambar-variant dive boat in operation by the Marine Corps in Panama City, Fla., Silver Ships made design and outfitting changes to meet the new mission needs. Enhancements included a litter, specialized lighting, infrared camera, life rings and lifelines along the collar used for safety and operator identification, giving the Marine Corps confidence in performing rapid response for operators.
AASBs feature a 2-foot draft that allows the vessel to navigate through shallow waters quietly. The vessel’s full load weight is 16,195 pounds and it holds 250 gallons of fuel. The vessel features twin 250-hp Mercury SeaPro outboard engines that allow it to reach its destination quickly and efficiently. The vessel is 39 feet long, with a 10-foot beam and 25-degree deadrise, allowing it to cut through rough waters with ease.
“This project has been a true success story for Silver Ships, the new U.S. Marine Corps boat forces and the U.S. Navy, who provided contracting and technical oversight,” said Shawn Lobree, Silver Ships’ director of federal programs. “Rich Shelp, our project manager and a retired Marine, did a fantastic job keeping the project on track, on schedule and on budget. Rich has also provided thorough parts and technical support for the in-service vessels. Our entire production team is proud of the teamwork that this endeavor generated and for their contributions to the U.S. Marine Corps.”
All boats on this contract have been delivered to a depot in Virginia, where they have gone on to operate from Marine Corps bases in North Carolina, California and Okinawa, Japan. The vessels are also operating in support of the Marine Corps Forces Reserve in Tampa, Fla. On-time delivery for each vessel has helped the Marine Corps remain efficient and consistent in its incorporation of the AASBs into its training missions.
– Silver Ships
