Purpose-built for the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), the RSV incorporates specific features to support weapons testing across the Point Mugu Sea Range in Southern California, where it will provide critical range support to aid national defense testing and evaluation programs.   Designed to meet the unique operational demands of the modern naval range, the RSV is equipped with a large open aft deck tailored to launch specialized surface and aerial targets. The RSV deck also features an integrated heavy-duty hydraulic crane for safe deployment and target recovery operations.“Delivering this vessel demonstrates Marine Group’s ability to design, build, and deliver highly specialized maritime assets that support critical Navy operations,” said Todd Roberts, CEO of Marine Group Boat Works. “This project reflects the dedication of our skilled workforce, the strength of our shipbuilding capabilities, and our commitment to providing the U.S. military with mission-ready platforms.”

Built to ABS standards the RSV also successfully passed all required U.S. Coast Guard inspections during construction and validation process.      Construction was completed at MGBW shipyard in Chula Vista, Calif., on San Diego Bay, where the company employs a skilled workforce of welders, shipfitters, electricians, engineers, and marine craftsmen dedicated to delivering complex maritime projects on schedule and to the highest standards of quality.      MGBW says that the RSV represents the latest example of the company’s growing portfolio of government and defense projects, drawing on the company’s extensive experience in vessel construction, repair, modernization, and lifecycle support for military and commercial operators.      The MGBW’s one million square foot Chula Vista facility is its largest shipyard, with over 2,000 feet of dockage and a new 820-ton lift, rough terrain cranes, a machine shop, metal working equipment and a propeller shop. Its sister boatyard in San Jose del Cabo features over 300,000 square feet of land and water, with a 660-ton, 150-ton and 75-ton Travelift. Between the two facilities, MGBW employs over 210 ABS-certified welders, shipfitters, pipefitters, mechanics, electricians, painters and other boatbuilding and repair specialists.