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| Jet ski Photo by Wai Siew on Unsplash |
Based in Portland, OR, Martin L. Hudler leads Endeavor Investments, LLC, where he provides solutions for estate planning and real estate development. A strong supporter of the armed forces, Martin L. Hudler has contributed extensively to the US Navy SEAL program.
A recent article in Popular Mechanics brought attention to civilian vehicles that have been adopted by US special operations in recent years, including ATVs and trucks on land. After 9/11, ATVs such as the Polaris MRZR, which seats half a dozen, have been essential in quickly maneuvering forces through Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain.
At sea, jet skis have become an essential element of naval special warfare operations, as they enable operators to rapidly move from coast to open water in small numbers. The preferred vehicle of SEALs is the 12-foot Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO jet ski, which seats as many as three and contains a supercharged, four-stroke, four-cylinder, marine engine. This jet ski model has been highly modified to include features such as rescue sleds and anti-roll collars.
Uses at sea include high-speed approaches of enemy or hijacked ships, with magnetic climbing systems employed in scaling hulls and reaching main decks. They are also essential in patrolling waterways and providing security details for high-value targets. In cases where SEAL commando teams or casualties need to be evacuated, rescuers can get in and out at maximum velocity. Another potential use is for an array of jet skis to direct “curtains” of firepower at targets at sea or on land.
Unfortunately, it is not only the Navy SEALs who have adopted mobile watercraft. The paramilitary Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps now employs jet skis and speedboats when performing intimidation displays, nuisance attacks, and even vessel seizures aimed at Western targets.
A recent article in Popular Mechanics brought attention to civilian vehicles that have been adopted by US special operations in recent years, including ATVs and trucks on land. After 9/11, ATVs such as the Polaris MRZR, which seats half a dozen, have been essential in quickly maneuvering forces through Afghanistan’s mountainous terrain.
At sea, jet skis have become an essential element of naval special warfare operations, as they enable operators to rapidly move from coast to open water in small numbers. The preferred vehicle of SEALs is the 12-foot Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO jet ski, which seats as many as three and contains a supercharged, four-stroke, four-cylinder, marine engine. This jet ski model has been highly modified to include features such as rescue sleds and anti-roll collars.
Uses at sea include high-speed approaches of enemy or hijacked ships, with magnetic climbing systems employed in scaling hulls and reaching main decks. They are also essential in patrolling waterways and providing security details for high-value targets. In cases where SEAL commando teams or casualties need to be evacuated, rescuers can get in and out at maximum velocity. Another potential use is for an array of jet skis to direct “curtains” of firepower at targets at sea or on land.
Unfortunately, it is not only the Navy SEALs who have adopted mobile watercraft. The paramilitary Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps now employs jet skis and speedboats when performing intimidation displays, nuisance attacks, and even vessel seizures aimed at Western targets.
