MCAS CHERRY POINT, NC -- Former Patrol Boat SEA DOG, a retired U.S. Naval vessel, arrived at Bombing Target – 9, where it was sunk in order to serve as a new training target for service members training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The vessel arrived on Nov. 4, 2024, with the aid of MCAS Cherry Point Range Management, Cherry Point Environmental Affairs, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marines working together to transition the vessel to its new station.
SEA DOG is an 87-foot hulk and will serve as an additional target at BT-9, which is already home to a number of training targets. Ship hulks last approximately three years in the impact area before they require replacement.
“The addition of the SEA DOG will provide nearly 36 months of valuable target time for aviation and surface craft,” said Kenneth Cobb, the range management officer for MCAS Cherry Point.
Cobb explained that 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and other Department of Defense operational forces often utilize the range due to its environment and targets for various live-fire training exercises.
Former Patrol Boat SEA DOG, a retired U.S. Naval vessel, arrived at Bombing Target – 9, where it was sunk in order to serve as a new training target for service members training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. The vessel arrived on Nov. 4, 2024, with the aid of MCAS Cherry Point Range Management, Cherry Point Environmental Affairs, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marines working together to transition the vessel to its new station.
SEA DOG is an 87-foot hulk and will serve as an additional target at BT-9, which is already home to a number of training targets. Ship hulks last approximately three years in the impact area before they require replacement.
“The addition of the SEA DOG will provide nearly 36 months of valuable target time for aviation and surface craft,” said Kenneth Cobb, the range management officer for MCAS Cherry Point.
Cobb explained that 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and other Department of Defense operational forces often utilize the range due to its environment and targets for various live-fire training exercises.