Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen
| Special warfare combatant-craft crewmen | |
|---|---|
Rating insignia (SB)
|
|
| Active | April 16, 1987 – Present |
| Country |
 United States of America
|
| Branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Type | Maritime special operations force |
| Role | Operate and maintain inventory of state-of-the-art, high-performance boats used in conjunction with SEALs and on other special operations missions. |
| Size | 755 (active) 50 (reserve) |
| Part of |
 U.S. Special Operations Command U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command
|
| Nickname(s) | "Boat Guys" |
| Motto(s) | "On time! On target! Never quit!" |
| Engagements |
Multinational Force in Lebanon |
Multinational Force in Lebanon
Operation Earnest Will
Iraq War
The special warfare combatant-craft crewmen (SWCC, pronounced "Swick") is a United States Naval Special Warfare Command team that operates and maintains an inventory of small craft used to support special operations missions, particularly those of the U.S. Navy SEALs. Individually, SEALs and SWCC go through separate specialized training programs that emphasize special operations in the maritime environment. SWCC are trained extensively in craft and weapons tactics, techniques, and procedures. Focusing on clandestine infiltration and exfiltration of SEALs and other special operations forces, SWCC provide dedicated, rapid mobility in shallow water areas where large ships cannot operate. SWCC must be physically fit, highly motivated, combat-focused, and responsive in high-stress situations.
Special boat teams can trace their history back to World War II. Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Three rescued General Douglas MacArthur (and later the Filipino president Manuel L. Quezon) from the Philippines after the Japanese invasion and then participated in guerilla actions until American resistance ended with the fall of Corregidor. PT boats subsequently participated in most of the campaigns in the Southwest Pacific by conducting and supporting joint/combined reconnaissance, blockade, sabotage, and raiding missions as well as attacking Japanese shore facilities, shipping, and combatants. PT boats were used in the European Theater beginning in April 1944 to support the Office of Strategic Services in the insertion of espionage and French Resistance personnel and for amphibious landing deception. While there is no direct line between organizations, United States Naval Special Warfare Command embracement is predicated on the similarity in craft and mission.
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