The 11-meter Naval Special Warfare Rigid Inflatable Boats (11m NSW RIBs) are constructed of composites with an inflatable tube gunwale made of reinforced fabric. They can operate in heavy seas and winds of 45 knots. The 11m NSW RIB carries a crew of three and a SEAL element (eight passengers) in its Naval Special Warfare role and is used increasingly by Naval Expeditionary Warfare in a marine interdiction/visit board search and seizure (VBSS) role, organic to LPD 17-class ships, with a Navy crew of three and a Marine Corps boarding team. The Navy VBSS variant includes a lifting bail for launch and retrieval from LPD 17-class ships.
There was a bit of a surprise in report,
This contract combines purchases for the Coast Guard (23%) (Emphasis applied–Chuck) and foreign governments as assigned by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency in accordance with Building Partnership Capacity and Foreign Military Sales programs.
I am just guessing, but 23% of 35 boats would be eight. I might also point out that the Bertholf class National Security Cutters can launch 11 meter boats from their stern ramps. They could probably carry two.
Of course this does not mean SEAL teams will be operating from Coast Guard Cutters. We should not assume that. Its a boat, probably a good boat.
These could also be going to security teams
Are these additions to what is already in inventor, or replacements for boats lost and/or damaged…
There is an 11 meter boat in the Coast Guard boat program, https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-Acquisitions-CG-9/Programs/Surface-Programs/Boat-Acquisition-Program/
but most of the 11 meter Long Range Interceptor II boats are already out there.
There have been indications we have been looking for a Long Range Interceptor III. https://chuckhillscgblog.net/2020/01/23/coast-guard-engages-industry-on-boat-acquisitions-cg-9/