Hunt of the Sea Wolves

SEAL Team Six

The Naval Special Warfare Development Group, formerly known as SEAL Team SIX and based in Dam Neck, Virginia, is responsible for U.S. counterterrorist operations in the maritime environment. It’s origin can be traced to the aftermath of the failed 1980 attempted to rescue American hostages at the Iranian Embassy (Operation Eagle Claw). Prior to this, the SEALs had already begun CT training, including all 12 platoons in SEAL Team One on the West Coast.

   On the East Coast, however, elements of the SEAL Team Two had taken the issue one step father. They formed a dedicated two-platoon group known as “MOB Six” (short for Mobility Six) in anticipation of a maritime scenario requiring a CT response and had begun training (including the development of advanced tactics such as “fast roping”) to that end. Yet, as was the case with the US Army’s initial CT unit - Blue Light - and Delta Force, only one group was needed and could be recognized as official. With the formal creation of SEAL Team Six (a name selected primarily to confuse Soviet intelligence as to the number of SEAL Teams in operation) in October 1980, MOB Six was demobilized. A large number of members, however, including the former MOB Six commander, were asked to join the fledgling group. With prior experience from these operators, aggressive leadership, and an accelerated training program, SEAL Team Six was declared mission-ready just six months later.

For more information, visit: http://www.terrorism101.org/counter/UnitedStates.html

US Marine Corps’ Maritime Special Purpose Force

Each deploying Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), or MEU(SOC) contains a specialized sub-unit known as the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF). The MSPF is a unique organization drawn from the MEU major subordinate elements. The MSPF provides the enhanced operational capability to complement or enable conventional operations or to execute selected maritime special missions. The MSPF can’t operate independently of its parent MEU. It relies on the MEU for logistics, intelligence, communications, transportation, and supporting fire. Command of the MSPF remains under the control of the MEU commander. The MSPF is organized and trained to be rapidly tailored to the specific mission. The MSPF does not duplicate the other services dedicated Special Operations Forces.

   MSPF Tasks include:
Deep Reconnaissance
*In Extremis Hostage Rescue (IHR) in an Urban Environment
*Special Demolition Operations
*Clandestine Recovery of Personnel and Equipment
*Gas and Oil Platform (GOPLAT) Operations
*Clandestine Reconnaissance and Surveillance
*Direct Action (DA) and Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
*Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO)

Indian Marine Commando Force

The Marine Commando Force (MCF), was the inspiration for key players in both the screenplay and novel Hunt of the Sea Wolves. The MCF is a special forces unit of the Indian Navy. Created in 1987, it was designed as an elite force for special maritime operations.

                           MCF Operative armed with MP-5 sub- machine gun, grenades and crossbow with cyanide-tipped arrows.

In April 1986, the Indian Naval Staff create a plan for a special force that would be able to conduct recon, raids and counter-terrorist operations at sea. Three naval officers trained with the U.S. Navy’s SEALS as well as British Special Forces. These three officers formed the nucleus of the Indian Marine Special Forces (IMSF).

The IMSF immediately went into action during Operation Pawan, in Sri Lanka against the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelan (LTTE). Besides leading beach landings, the IMSF also provided security patrols along the coastal road, west of Jaffna.

In November 1988, mercenaries of the People’s Liberation Organization of Tamil Eelan attempted a coup in the Maldives. IMSF re-established the former government. Under the codename Operation Cactus, Indian paratroopers swarmed the capital.

       MCF Operatives storm oil rig.

The MCF also conducts operational reconnaissance training that includes a variety of environments: beach, coastal, riverine and jungle. This training is conducted with other Indian Special Forces at the Combined Commando School at Sirsawa. They also undergo parachute training and a diving course at Agra and Cochin.

MCF strength is a closely guarded secret, but sources say a number could be anywhere from 1000 to 1500 commandos. There are three main MCF groups detached in the three naval commands at Bombay, Cochin and Visag.

The MCF has changed since its inception. It was originally intended be involved in special maritime operations, but a considerable part of the MCF is doubling as marine infantry assigned to the 340th Brigade, with the flexibility of commando forces. Thus they have the capability to conduct swift amphibious raids and co-operating with Indian airborne units in joint operations.