USS Firebolt (PC-10)

The USS "Firebolt" (PC-10) is the tenth member of the "Cyclone"-class of coastal patrol boats. It is a 174-foot (53 m) vessel with a crew of approximately 30 sailors, normally homeported at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia. Its armament includes two Mk38 chain guns, two Mk19 automatic grenade launchers, and two .50 caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns, as well as six Stinger missiles.cite web| url = http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles2003/20031022.asp| title = Cyclones, Firebolt and the Persian Gulf Pirates| accessdate = 2006-09-23| last = Geibel| first = Adam| authorlink = Adam Geibel| date = 2003-10-22| work = Dirty Little Secrets| publisher = StrategyWorld.com| language = English] It was laid down on 17 September 1993, launched on 10 June 1994, and commissioned into the Navy on 10 June 1995.cite web| url = http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/PC10.htm| title = USS FIREBOLT| accessdate = 2007-01-31| work = Naval Vessel Register| publisher = NAVSEA Shipbuilding Support Office| language = English]

Persian Gulf service

In February 2003, "Firebolt" deployed to Bahrain to operate in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. While there, it rotated crews so that it could remain on station without returning home for leave. In February 2004, the "Firebolt" collided with a navigational buoy off the coast of Iraq. The subsequent inquiry board into the incident led to the removal of Lieutenant Commander Michael T. Sullivan from command.cite web| url = http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=12599 | title = Firebolt’s Commanding Officer Relieved| accessdate = 2006-09-22| author = U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs| date = 2004-04-01| work = Navy NewsStand| publisher = Naval Media Center| language = English]

On 24 April 2004, "Firebolt"'s rigid-hulled inflatable boat attempted a boarding operation on a dhow that was approaching the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal in Iraq. As the boarding team of seven pulled alongside, the dhow exploded in an apparent suicide bombing. Two sailors, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael J. Pernaselli, 27, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts, 28, and one Coast Guardsman, Petty Officer Third Class Nathan Bruckenthalcite web| url = http://www.uscg.mil/history/WEBORALHISTORY/IF_DC3_Bruckenthal.html| title = DC3 Nathan Bruckenthal's Oral History| accessdate = 2006-09-23| last = Capelotti| first = Peter| authorlink = Peter Capelotti| date = 2003-04-25| publisher = U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office| language = English] , 24, were killed when the explosion flipped the boat over, dumping its crew into the water. Bruckenthal was the first Coast Guardsman to die in action since the Vietnam War. The survivors were picked up by an SH-60 Seahawk helicopter from the Australian frigate HMAS "Stuart".cite web| url = http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=21023&archive=true| title = Suicide bombing attack claims first Coast Guardsman since Vietnam War| accessdate = 2006-09-23| last = Helmer| first = Kendra| authorlink = Kendra Helmer| date = 2004-04-27| publisher = Stars and Stripes| language = English]

References

Photos

External links

* [http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/PC10.htm Naval Vessel Register entry for the USS "Firebolt"]