Discover the elite US Navy SWCC Special Forces, specializing in maritime special operations, tactical boat handling, and advanced combat techniques, utilizing skills like surveillance and reconnaissance.
The United States Navy's Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC) are an elite group of special forces operatives who specialize in conducting maritime special operations. As part of the Navy's Special Warfare Command, SWCC operators play a crucial role in supporting Navy SEALs and other special operations forces in a variety of missions, including counterterrorism, direct action, and special reconnaissance. The SWCC community is highly respected and admired for their bravery, skill, and selflessness, and their contributions to the nation's defense are invaluable.
The history of the SWCC dates back to the 1960s, when the Navy first established its Special Boat Units (SBUs) to conduct unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations. Over the years, the SWCC community has evolved and expanded to meet the changing needs of the Navy and the nation. Today, SWCC operators are trained to conduct a wide range of missions, including maritime interdiction, special reconnaissance, and direct action. They are also trained to operate a variety of specialized craft, including the Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) and the Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).
The selection process for SWCC operators is highly competitive and demanding. Candidates must undergo a rigorous training program, known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, which pushes them to their physical and mental limits. The training program includes a variety of challenges, such as obstacle courses, swimming tests, and combat drills, designed to test the candidates' strength, endurance, and teamwork skills. Only a small percentage of candidates who start the training program ultimately graduate and become SWCC operators.
SWCC Training and Qualifications

The training program for SWCC operators includes a variety of courses and certifications, such as the SWCC Basic Course, the SWCC Advanced Course, and the Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) Course. These courses provide operators with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their duties effectively and safely. The training program also includes a variety of simulations and exercises, designed to test the operators' skills and decision-making abilities in a variety of scenarios.
SWCC Missions and Operations
SWCC operators conduct a wide range of missions and operations, including maritime interdiction, special reconnaissance, and direct action. They may be deployed to various parts of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, to support Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. SWCC operators may also be involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, providing critical support to affected communities.Some of the key missions and operations conducted by SWCC operators include:
- Maritime interdiction: SWCC operators may be involved in intercepting and boarding suspect vessels, such as pirate ships or smugglers.
- Special reconnaissance: SWCC operators may conduct reconnaissance missions to gather intelligence on enemy forces or to identify potential targets.
- Direct action: SWCC operators may conduct direct action missions, such as raids or ambushes, to disrupt enemy operations or to capture high-value targets.
SWCC Equipment and Craft

SWCC Career Path and Advancement
SWCC operators can advance through the ranks and take on leadership roles within the SWCC community. The career path for SWCC operators typically involves progressing from junior operator to senior operator and then to leadership roles, such as team leader or platoon commander. SWCC operators may also have the opportunity to attend advanced training courses, such as the SWCC Advanced Course or the Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) Course.Some of the key career milestones for SWCC operators include:
- Junior operator: Junior operators are new to the SWCC community and are still learning the skills and knowledge they need to perform their duties effectively.
- Senior operator: Senior operators have gained experience and expertise within the SWCC community and may take on leadership roles or mentor junior operators.
- Team leader: Team leaders are responsible for leading teams of SWCC operators on missions and operations. They must have strong leadership and communication skills and be able to make quick decisions in high-stress situations.
- Platoon commander: Platoon commanders are responsible for leading platoons of SWCC operators and may be involved in planning and executing missions and operations.
SWCC Community and Culture

Some of the key values and traditions within the SWCC community include:
- Brotherhood: SWCC operators are known for their strong sense of brotherhood and camaraderie. They work together as a team and rely on each other for support and protection.
- Excellence: SWCC operators strive for excellence in everything they do, from training to operations. They are committed to being the best they can be and to achieving their goals.
- Selflessness: SWCC operators are known for their selflessness and willingness to put themselves in harm's way to protect others. They are committed to serving their country and their community.
SWCC History and Heritage
The history of the SWCC dates back to the 1960s, when the Navy first established its Special Boat Units (SBUs) to conduct unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations. Over the years, the SWCC community has evolved and expanded to meet the changing needs of the Navy and the nation. Today, the SWCC community is a vital part of the Navy's Special Warfare Command and plays a critical role in supporting Navy SEALs and other special operations forces.Some of the key events and milestones in the history of the SWCC include:
- Establishment of the Special Boat Units (SBUs): The SBUs were established in the 1960s to conduct unconventional warfare and counterinsurgency operations.
- Vietnam War: SWCC operators played a critical role in the Vietnam War, conducting a variety of missions, including maritime interdiction and special reconnaissance.
- Gulf War: SWCC operators were involved in the Gulf War, conducting missions, such as maritime interdiction and special reconnaissance.
- War on Terror: SWCC operators have been involved in the War on Terror, conducting missions, such as counterterrorism and direct action.
SWCC Image Gallery










We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the US Navy's SWCC special forces. These elite operatives play a critical role in supporting Navy SEALs and other special operations forces, and their contributions to the nation's defense are invaluable. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to reach out. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about the SWCC community, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #SWCC. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to hearing from you!