US plans five-year EOD boat programme
The US Navy's explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and salvage diving specialists are poised to acquire up to 80 new 9m rigid-hull inflatable boats over the next five years.
The Multi-use EOD Response Craft (MERC) will be fielded in three variants: with an enclosed cabin, an open centre console (OCC), and an open design for use by the Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC).
With a service life of up to 15 years, the MERC will replace ageing boats (pictured above) used by Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's EOD teams and Mobile Diving and Salvage Units. Likely tasks include casualty evacuation and
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