Coast Guard

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An USCG Defender Class Boat on patrol
Hudson River
New York, September 2007

“Originally developed as a replacement for 300 shore based non-standard boats, the RB-S became the platform to increase the long term HLS capability at shore stations in the wake of September 11, 2001. The RB-S is very similar to the rapidly procured RB-HS boat, but with dozens of improvements to include a reinforced bow, full shock mitigating seating, larger cabin and LED navigation lights. Over 540 RB-S were produced between 2002 and 2009, and they are assigned all over the Coast Guard at sectors, stations, MSRT/MSSTs, MSUs, training centers, and some AUXFACs. As some RB-S near the end of their 10-year service life, they will be replaced with the RB-S II starting in 2012.” (25-Foot Defender Class Boat, United States Coast Guard)