It’s a…boat

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Police from the 96th Security Forces Squadron were up bright and early May 1 as they waited at the North Gate for their newest addition. 

Anticipation was high as an 18-wheeler pulled up to the commercial gate to deliver the squadron's latest weapon in force protection, the Air Force Defender. The defender is a 25-foot patrol boat built by a company whose motto is "God, Country, and FAST Boats." And that's just what the police want. 

This boat will allow us to perform multiple duties as we protect the rivers, bayous, the bay and the gulf," said police officer Kurt Rommendal. "It will also allow for mission support while working closely with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Coast Guard." 

Except for color, the boat mirrors the Coast Guard model which has been in service for several years. 

"Theirs is a proven platform, so we ordered the same package instead of buying a boat and equipping it separately," Mr. Rommendal said. 

It took almost a year from concept to delivery of the boat that is flexible enough to board a C-130 aircraft. Security Forces hopes to have an official commissioning this month during Police Week.