A Popular Mechanics piece informs us of a really cool United States Navy SEALs military exercise, using PWC. The SEALs located in Greece, were observed driving Yamaha personal watercraft while performing a military exercise. The training was held off the island of Crete in October 2017. It was documented in a series of images found in the Defense Video Imagery System (DVIDS). Many of the photos appearing in Popular Mechanics come from the DVIDS.
According to defense journalist H.I. Sutton, the PWC that the SEALs were riding were 2016 Yamaha FX Cruiser SHO’s. The skis were modified with inflatable collars similar to those used by rigid inflatable boats. The collar is similar to the Wing Inflatables SkiCollar, which is advertised as improving lateral stability, increasing shock absorption, and providing additional floatation.
These machines are highly maneuverable and capable of shallow water operation and they go fast! The modified version that the SEALs were using, provided room for three heavily armed men. Loaded with weapons, armor, and ammunition, the weight was well over the FX Cruiser’s 490 pound limit. Do not try this on a stock Yamaha FX Cruiser. You will find yourself sunk!
The Navy SEAL’s were also using a magnetic climbing system while conducting their training operations. The system consists of a pair of shoes and hand grips fitted with magnets. The gear allows the climber to scale sheer metal surfaces like ship hulls. The climbing can be performed quick and easy. However, the manufacturer claims the gear can only used by divers entering from the water. It seems only logical that the men were working with a modified PWC and magnetic climbing gear. This operation can prove useful for boarding vessels for inspection or infiltrating enemy warships. The SEALs are going back to their roots, which lie in the sea. They’ve been busy performing land operations since 9.11. This solid outfit is ready for anything.
