In the vast expanse of naval operations, where missions range from covert insertions to direct action, there exists a unique group of operators known as the Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC). These are the Naval Special Warfare’s (NSW) maritime mobility experts, often described as the “Boat Guys” within the U.S. military’s special operations forces. Here’s an in-depth look at who they are, what they do, and the role they play in global military operations.
The lineage of SWCC can be traced back to the Vietnam War with the formation of the Brown Water Navy, where small boat units patrolled the rivers and canals of Vietnam. This heritage set the stage for modern SWCC operations.
Officially recognized in the early 2000s, the SWCC program was established to create a dedicated maritime mobility force for special operations, complementing the SEALs (Sea, Air, and Land teams) by specializing in the operation and maintenance of high-speed, heavily armed boats.
Training and Selection
- BUD/S Prep: Candidates start with a rigorous physical screening test at the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, California, akin to that of SEAL candidates but with specific maritime skills emphasized.
- Basic Crewman Selection (BCS): This phase tests candidates’ physical, mental, and psychological endurance over several grueling weeks, pushing them to their limits in exercises designed to mimic the stresses of combat.
- Crewman Qualification Training (CQT): Those who pass move to advanced training where they learn to operate various combatant crafts, from rigid-hull inflatable boats to high-speed stealthy vessels like the Mark V Special Operations Craft (SOC).
- Skills Acquisition: Training includes navigation, communications, weapons handling, medical skills, and combat tactics, alongside boat maintenance and repair. SWCC operators become masters of the sea, capable of navigating in all weather conditions and environments, from open ocean to riverine warfare.
SWCC teams provide the covert and overt means to insert or extract special operations forces (SOF) into and out of hostile or denied areas by sea.
They are equipped with heavy weaponry, including .50 caliber machine guns and automatic grenade launchers, offering protective fire during insertions and extractions or in support of coastal operations.
Using their boats, SWCC can conduct maritime reconnaissance, gather intelligence, and perform surveillance missions, often under the cover of darkness or disguised as local fishing vessels.
In situations requiring direct engagement, SWCC teams are trained to conduct raids, ambushes, and interdiction operations. Their boats can quickly close distances or escape after action.
Beyond combat, SWCC crews have participated in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, providing logistical support, medical evacuations, and disaster response capabilities in various global crises.
SWCC operate several types of craft tailored for different missions. The Mark V SOC, Combatant Craft Assault (CCA), and the smaller Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) are among the vessels they master, each designed for speed, maneuverability, and firepower.
Their small craft are often armed with M240B machine guns, M2HB .50 caliber machine guns, MK19 grenade launchers, and sometimes mini-guns or mounted missile systems.
Life as a SWCC
- Teamwork: The life of a SWCC is one of close-knit teamwork, where each member must depend on others for survival and success. The crews operate in tight quarters, fostering a bond that is both professional and deeply personal.
- Deployment: SWCC deployments can vary widely, from extended overseas rotations in support of special operations to rapid response missions where they might be deployed at a moment’s notice.
- Special Recognition: SWCC operators are part of the Naval Special Warfare community, often receiving less public recognition than their SEAL counterparts but playing an equally critical role.
The Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen are the unsung heroes of naval special operations. Their mastery of maritime environments, combined with their combat skills, makes them an indispensable asset in the U.S. military’s arsenal. As the nature of warfare evolves, so too does the role of SWCC, adapting to new technologies, tactics, and global threats. Their motto, “On Time, On Target, Never Quit,” encapsulates their commitment to mission success in the most challenging conditions.