NewsWhore
01-10-2007, 04:50 PM
Two more Dominican Navy vessels have returned to duty after a complete refit at the Swiftships Naval Yard in Morgan City, Louisiana. The refit is part of the Sentinels of the Sea program, in coordination with the United States. The newly refitted boats are the Aldebaran (GC-104) and the Capella (GC-108). A new swiftboat, the Arturo (GC-114) and a refitted Orion (GC-109) are expected to enter service in April. According to the reports in El Caribe and Diario Libre, Armed Forces Minister Ramon Aquino Garcia said that the boats would be used to control illegal immigration to Puerto Rico as well as serving on drug detection missions. The swiftboats were first commissioned during the Vietnam War when they were used to patrol South Vietnamese rivers. They were famous for their powerful engines and efficient patrols, as well as for the weaponry on board. The 10-person crew will enjoy the latest electronic equipment and navigation systems as a result of the US$20 million program.
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