The Coast Guard is steadily updating their fleet with the new Response Boat-Medium (RB-M), a 45 foot replacement for the current 41 foot Utility Boat. The RB-M offers increased speed and maneuverability with a top speed of more than 40 knots.

Enhanced capabilities and technological advances such as jet propulsion, armrest integrated steering, self-righting capability and better crew accommodations all represent significant improvements over the 41-foot utility boat platform.

The RB-M utilizes a twin jet-drive system which is controlled by a joystick on the coxswain’s chair. The new RB-M 45's can operate safely in as much as 12-foot seas and 50-knot winds. Even if completely turtled, the vessel is designed to right itself.

The first two RB-M's were delivered to Coast Guard Stations Little Creek, Va., and Cape Disappointment, Wash., in August of 2008. Since then, a total of seven have been added to the Coast Guard fleet around the country with 23 more on order.