California-based Marine Group Boat Works has delivered an Advanced Range Support Vessel to the US Navy, enhancing the service’s afloat capabilities for testing next-generation weapons at sea.
Built at the company’s Chula Vista shipyard, the custom aluminum vessel features an open aft deck for deploying aerial and surface targets during offshore defense evaluations. An onboard hydraulic crane will also support target recovery operations.
The vessel was constructed and validated in accordance with American Bureau of Shipping commercial standards, followed by additional inspections from the US Coast Guard.
After entering service, the platform will support the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in conducting operations at the Point Mugu Sea Range in Southern California.
