SB – Special Warfare Boat Operator

Navy SWCC—Special Warfare Boat Operator (SB):
Definitive Guide

The U.S. relies on a small, specialized force that most people never hear about:
Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC). That low profile is by design. Their missions are too sensitive for attention.

SWCC are special boat operators who move SEAL personnel in and out of classified areas quickly, with no delays. They train to operate with speed, discipline, and precision.

Their motto is “On Time, On Target, Never Quit.” They train to meet that standard every time.

ENLISTMENT BONUS:
Future Navy SBs are currently eligible to receive up to $30K in cash bonus just for signing up.

Special Warfare Boat Operators (SB) carry out some of the toughest work in Naval Special Warfare Operations. They drive high-speed boats through shallow rivers, open ocean, plus coastal areas. Their main job is to move Special Operations Forces (SOF) in and out quickly.

Their skills cover a lot of ground. They operate and repair combatant craft. They use advanced weapons systems. They run tactical communications. Some missions also include parachute jumps, so SWCCs can deploy with their craft.

SWCC operators learn boat tactics and tactical ground movement. They train in trauma care and intel collection. They also practice pulling people from hostile waters during direct extraction. Their training includes combat lifesaving, low-profile collection operations, plus maritime interception operations. These missions often take place in dangerous water, with high risk as a constant factor.

• Insert and extract SEAL teams and other special operations forces from Naval Special Warfare Units
• Gather intelligence operations on enemy positions and boats from aircraft using aerial deployment training
• Conduct combatant craft operations, interdiction operations, and counter-drug operations
• Work with law enforcement agencies and military on special reconnaissance
• Operate and maintain advanced navigation systems, tactical comms, and high-speed craft
• Perform combat rubber raiding craft insertions into enemy-held areas
• Conduct reconnaissance operations in coastal patrol environments
• Support Naval Special Warfare Development Group and NSW-Task Force

SWCC has roots in WWII’s PT boat crews and Vietnam’s River Patrol Force, evolving into today’s elite Special Boat Team operators.

SWCC operators provide covert insertion support in riverine warfare. They run combat craft on distant shores, including river patrol boats, boat-based projects, and other combat power operations.

They deploy worldwide with the Armed Forces of the U.S. They work in any environment, including cold regions, deserts, jungles, and tropical climates. Teams operate day or night, even when conditions are harsh. Their training covers air assault, night operations, and diving operations to support covert insertion missions.

Their main job is clear: insert and extract Navy SEALs from classified locations with speed and precision. For direct personnel recovery, they may use CH‑47 helicopters, MH‑47 Chinook helicopters, and SEAL Delivery Vehicles.

• Master unit tactics, boat crews, and combatant craft operations
• Maintain 11‑meter RIB, Mark V Special Operations Craft, and other primary support craft
• Train in medical evacuation training scenario, combat lifesaving, and tactical driving
• Serve as Boat Captain, leading Boat Troop teams on coastal river squadron missions
• Oversee boat team leaders, ensuring safe navigation and boat‑ready status
• Command boats on counter‑insurgency operations, convoy operations, and clandestine insertion missions
• Command Special Boat Team 20 and other Special Boat Units
• Lead SWCC Master level operations, overseeing combatant craft operations and counter‑drug operations
• Plan house training, combat lifesaving, and Naval Special Warfare Unit insertion missions

Pay Grade

Rate

Abbreviation

Rating

E‑1 Seaman Recruit SR Seaman Recruit

E‑2 Seaman Apprentice SA Seaman Apprentice

E‑3 Seaman SN Seaman

E‑4 Petty Officer Third Class SB3 Special Warfare Boat Operator Third Class

E‑5 Petty Officer Second Class SB2 Special Warfare Boat Operator Second Class

E‑6 Petty Officer First Class…