High Speed Multipurpose Vessel History and Background and Genesis of the U.S. Navy MK V SOC.

The Argent Marine high speed vessels M/V “BARRACUDA” and M/V “BARRAMUNDI” are truly unique vessels with an interesting history.

The M/V BARRACUDA started life as a test, evaluation and prototype for an eXtra Fast Patrol Boat (XFPB) designed and built by Halter Marine, Inc. in Gulfport, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana in 1992. The vessel was designated the ”XFPB TEST.” The “XFPB TEST” was designed and built in anticipation of a request from the U.S. Special Operations Command for a high speed patrol boat to support the operations of the U.S. Special Forces.

In 1993 the U.S. Special Operations Command issued a Request for Proposal for a new support vessel, designated as the MK V SOC, for the U.S. Special Forces. This vessel had a host of unique and special requirements. Among them:

The other vessel was to have the same hull as the XFPB boats but, was to be built of aluminum and powered by two diesel engines driving water jet propulsors instead of three diesel engines driving surface piercing propellers.

The U.S. Special Operations Command, being impressed with the XFPB patrol boat lineage, the demonstrated performance of the vessels and both of the designs proposed, awarded the builder a contract to build both prototype vessels.

The “MK V B, PROTOTYPE” was retained by the U.S. Navy and is often seen running around the waters of Hampton Roads, Virginia.

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