Willard Marine Inc. Announces Delivery of 17-Meter Search and Rescue Boat to the U.S. Navy Office of Foreign Military Sales.

August 18, 2008, Anaheim, CA: Willard Marine announced today the successful Acceptance Trials of their latest 17-Meter Search and Rescue (SAR) boat to the U.S. Navy Office of Foreign Military Sales (FMS). This craft was especially designed and custom built to meet the needs of the customer.

In June, representatives from the U.S. Navy were in Anaheim, California at the Willard Marine facility to take part in the successful Acceptance Trials which took several days and showcased the full capabilities of the boat. Willard Marine Director of Government Products, CJ Lozano, stated,“ Everyone is very excited about our new Search and Rescue-Fire Boat platform as this vessel provides an enormous amount of capabilities from firefighting, to offshore patrol and offshore escort duties.” A team from Willard Marine will travel with the Navy later this year to conduct boat familiarization training with the customer.

The 17-Meter SAR is a 60 ft. vessel, which was based on the proven design of the 56 ft. Septar Surface Target hull that has been built for the U.S. Navy for many years. This craft integrates a number of complex systems to meet the requirements of the contract.

Included is a fire fighting system powered by a Cummins 8.9 405 HP diesel engine driving a Hale pump with one remote controlled fire monitor station at the bow and two manual stations on the stern of the boat capable of shooting water 250ft @ 100 psi and 145ft. @ 100 psi respectfully. A water curtain system is included which envelopes the boat with a water spray for fighting shipboard fires. A 27 kw generator operates two A/C systems as well as other electrical components on the boat including a full kitchenette, berthing for seven and a full head, shower and MSD system.The propulsion system for this vessel is comprised of twin Cummins QSC 8.3 600 HP diesel engines coupled to Hamilton 322 water jets, and a bow thruster.

Willard Marine, headquartered in Anaheim, California, is a leading builder of high performance and quality boats. These vessels are marketed to government, law enforcement and commercial customers throughout the world. Equipped with state-of-the-art design, manufacturing and testing processes, Willard Marine, prides itself on building high-tech composite and heavy-duty aluminum boats. Classified as a “Small Business” by the United States Government, all products are included in the company’s GSA contract, GS-07F-0123H.