He explains: "A lot has been written about the SAS but hardly anything about the
Special Boat Squadron. They deserve our recognition.
The smaller diesel-electrics are equipped to support teams of the
Special Boat Squadron (SBS), who train continuously to perfect their covert infiltration skills and develop new techniques to counter terrorists and drug smugglers.
KNM Skjold (on loan to
Special Boat Squadron Two, Naval Station Norfolk, VA) incorporates stealth-technology features that are similar to those being used in military aircraft.
About 30 Royal Marines, thought to be members of the highly-trained
Special Boat Squadron, were among the first wave of troops to be landed at the small airstrip.
A
Special Boat Squadron team launched a dawn raid on a remote building after a tip-off from locals.
LCDR Richard Nalwasky's previous assignments include the Naval Post Graduate School, Monterey, Calif.; Supply Officer, USS Klakring (FFG 42); Supply Officer,
Special Boat Squadron 2, Little Creek, Va.; and Wardroom/Asst.
The SAS and
Special Boat Squadron have been issued with the rifles, which are equipped with high-powered telescope sights.
Mr Parsons, aged 82, who organises the parade as well as leading it, was a member of the elite
Special Boat Squadron, and was captured during a daring raid on Singapore Harbour, in 1943.
A cargo ship suspected of carrying the bomb - the 26,000-ton MV Nisha - was stormed by the elite
Special Boat Squadron in the English Channel two years ago, said Mr Mercer.