About this Unit
Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) Team 12, commonly referred to as SWCC-12, is a specialized unit within the United States Naval Special Warfare Command. Established in the late 20th century, SWCC-12 is tasked with providing rapid mobility and fire support for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces, primarily through the use of high-speed boats and riverine craft. The unit has played crucial roles in operations ranging from counter-narcotics missions in South America to direct action and reconnaissance in the Middle East. SWCC-12 continues to exemplify the motto "On Time, On Target, Never Quit," maintaining readiness for maritime special operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Designation: Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) Team 12, officially known as Special Boat Team 12 (SBT-12), was established in 1990 and is headquartered at Naval Base Coronado, California.
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Primary Mission: SBT-12 specializes in the operation of advanced combatant-craft for the insertion and extraction of Navy SEALs and other special operations forces in maritime environments.
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Notable Craft Operated: The unit is renowned for operating the Mark V Special Operations Craft, as well as the Special Operations Craft – Riverine (SOC-R) and the Combatant Craft Medium (CCM).
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Global Deployments: SBT-12 crewmen have participated in operations worldwide, including the Persian Gulf, Somalia, the Balkans, and the War on Terror in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Secret Night Operations: SBT-12 is known for its expertise in clandestine night insertions and extractions, often utilizing advanced navigation and stealth technology to avoid detection.
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Key Role in Operation Iraqi Freedom: SBT-12 played a crucial role during the 2003 Iraq invasion, supporting SEALs in the seizure of key oil platforms and infrastructure to prevent sabotage.
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High-Intensity Training: SWCC members of SBT-12 undergo some of the toughest training in the US military, including the grueling Basic Crewman Training (BCT) and SQT (Special Qualification Training).
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Decorated Unit: Members of SBT-12 have received numerous awards and commendations, including Bronze Stars and Navy Commendation Medals for valor in combat.
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Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, the unit has been instrumental in disaster relief and humanitarian missions, providing security and aid in the aftermath of natural disasters.
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Popular Culture: SBT-12 and SWCC operations have been featured in documentaries, books, and video games, raising public awareness of their critical but often unseen role in US special operations.
