Whidbey's own Sea Fighter !

The Sea Fighter

Inside the Sea Fighter.
Both photos are 'Click for larger view'

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Well, yes, I realize the Navy actually OWNS the Sea Fighter, but it was BUILT right here on Whidbey Island at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, a company run by guys I went to high school with, the Nichols brothers. Of course I'm proud of them!

Anyhow, pictures of the Sea Fighter just don't do justice to the Sea Fighter, particularly as to it's size.

This interior shot gives you some idea, showing a remote controlled submarine inside the Sea Fighter. Here's the description of the sub from the Navy:

The Seahorse-class Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) from the applied research laboratory at Penn State University is maneuvered into position in Sea Fighter's (FSF-1) mission bay during launch and recovery testing. At 28 feet, six inches, and weighing 10,800 pounds, Seahorse is an untethered, unmanned, underwater robotic vehicle, capable of pre-programmed independent operations. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsors the demonstration. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. John F. Williams (RELEASED)

Imagine the hotel you could build inside one of those! It could be a mini-cruise ship that goes seventy miles per hour in rough water. Wouldn't THAT be fun!!

Thanks to Murdoc Online for the picture.