Speacil Boat Unit-20

• Origins: Special Boat Unit 20 (SBU-20) was established in 1972, building on the legacy of World War II-era Naval Combat Demolition Units and Underwater Demolition Teams. • Specialization: SBU-20 specialized in maritime special operations, including coastal patrol, interdiction, reconnaissance, and direct action missions. • Location: The unit was based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia, serving as a key East Coast maritime special operations force. • Operation Urgent Fury: Members of SBU-20 participated in the 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury), conducting reconnaissance and supporting amphibious landings. • Riverine Operations: SBU-20 was well-known for its expertise in riverine and littoral (coastal) environments, operating in rivers, estuaries, and harbors. • Fast Boats: The unit operated a variety of high-speed craft, such as the Mark V Special Operations Craft (SOC), Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), and Patrol Boats, for swift insertion and extraction of special operations forces. • Integration with SEALs: SBU-20 frequently worked alongside Navy SEAL teams, providing mobility and fire support for SEAL missions. • Transition to SBT-20: In 2002, Special Boat Unit 20 was re-designated as Special Boat Team 20 (SBT-20) as part of a reorganization of Naval Special Warfare forces. • Cold War Operations: During the Cold War, SBU-20 played a critical role in countering potential Soviet naval threats and supporting NATO operations along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. • Distinctive Insignia: Members of SBU-20 wore the distinctive Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman (SWCC) insignia, symbolizing their elite status within Naval Special Warfare.