Oregon Iron Works Building Two Explosives Disposal Craft For Navy

Two Navy-designed, 65-foot, aluminum- hulled boats termed "Explosive Ordnance Disposal Support Craft, Mark 2" (EODSC MK2, for short) are presently being built by Oregon Iron Works of Clackamas, Oregon. The tasks of detail structural design and computerized lofting are being handled by Elliott Bay Design Group of Seattle, Wash.

The mission of these boats calls for a load of equipment that is rare aboard small craft. There will be sophisticated sonar, the "area point search system" (APSS), a "remotely operated vehicle" (ROV) and Mark 16 "underwater breathing apparatus" (UBA). The Mark 16 is a helium- oxygen system designed for low acoustic radiation and minimum magnetic influence, an indication of the kind of work that is planned.

The EODSC MK2 will have a length of 65 feet 8.5 inches, a beam of 18 feet 10 inches and be powered by two 450 shp Detroit 8V-71TI diesel engines. There will also be two 40 kw, 450 V, three phase Detroit 3- 7 IN diesel engines which will serve as service generators.

In general, a suspected explosive object will be located by the towedarray APSS, then pinpointed and identified by the ROV. EOD divers will then either detonate it in place or neutralize it, after which it may be safely recovered.

These unusual craft are being constructed by Oregon Iron Works which usually builds large shore side metal structures. Their staff developed tooling and methods based on general metal fabrication practice combined with rigorous quality control measures.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 87, Mar 1992

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