Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations are maritime boarding actions, typically to rescue hostages or to seize control over a vessel/platform. VBSS training and tactics focus on close quarters battle (CQB) [1]. The items on this page come from the very beginnings of VBSS in the 1980’s when specialized equipment for CQB was not commonly available, so operators would sometimes improvise their own from existing items, with the help of unit riggers, personnel responsible for packing and maintaining parachutes who would have had access to sufficiently powerful sewing machines and material to make these items [2].
These vests were largely replaced by modular American Body Armor (ABA, CAGE code active from 5/25/1983 – 3/28/2001[3]) manufactured vests by the 1990’s (see usage photos at bottom of page).
Magazine Pouches:
Magazine pouches were originally leg panels that have been sewn to the vest. The belt loops can still be felt through the vest material.
Buckles:
1984 dated buckles. These likely came from the leg panels that were sewn to the vest. The 1984 date means that either ABA or Elevated Urban Operations (EUO) could have manufactured the magazine pouches since both were active at the time, and EUO manufactured some items for ABA [4][5].
Grommets:
Rounded face of grommets face inwards for comfort.
Grommets have unknown usage. They are not likely used for cable routing since there are no internal pockets and the radio pouch is on the back.
Inside:
ERDL material on inside has unknown source and usage. It is likely not a document pocket since the bottom was never closed. Material is a heavy sateen like what was used for M65 jackets.
Tag:
Base vest was a grenadier’s vest, meant to hold 40mm grenade launcher shells.
Radio Pouch:
Slick nylon material on body side of radio pouch for extra reinforcement. This would also make it easier to insert and extract the radio.
The back radio pouch is made from padded synthetic material, likely from a sleeping bag. The padding is synthetic polymer, as confirmed by a burn test that also produced a foul odor.
Waist Pouch:
The velcro strap is long enough to go around the waist. There are no belt loops anywhere on the pouch. Like the other items on this page, the pouch appears to be hand-made by a rigger. The base material appears to be cotton canvas, likely from a sea bag.
Sides:
Top:
Bottom:
No drain holes.
Inside:
Waist Strap:
Sling:
Loop Adjustment Cinches:
Buckle:
Hook:
Strap Tips:
Usage Photos:
The photos shown below include a variety of modified vests. Some use an SRU-21P survival vest as a base. Some SEALs in the pictures are also wearing the MP-5 magazine leg panels that were sewn to the vests.
USMC Force Reconnaissance Training (1986):
Note 2-cartridge UDT life jacket worn by Marine holding the MP-5SD on the far left.1986: Teammates from 3rd Platoon, 2nd Force Recon Co. conducting VBSS ops in the Mediterranean [6][7].
September 22, 1987: Iranian detainees from the mine-laying ship IRAN AJR wear helicopter headgear and hearing protection aboard the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7) [8]. Two modified vests are worn by the first and third SEALs wearing ERDL camouflage trousers from the left in the back behind the detainees.September 22, 1987: Iranian detainees wearing helicopter headgear and hearing protection are escorted to waiting helicopters for transport to the miscellaneous flagship USS LA SALLE (AGF-3) from the amphibious assault ship USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7). The Iranians are from the mine-laying ship IRAN AJR [9].
Gulf War 1 (Operation Desert Storm, 1991):
February or March 1991: A member of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8, armed with a 9mm MP-5A5E submachine gun, gives a thumbs-up at the successful completion of a training mission aboard the USNS J0SHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188). SEAL Team 8 is providing boarding teams to assist the ships of the Maritime Interception Force in their enforcement of U.N. sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm [10][11].February or March 1991: Members of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8 draw their weapons and equipment prior to a boarding exercise aboard the fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188). SEAL Team 8 provided boarding teams to assist ships of the Maritime Interdiction Force in their enforcement of U.N. sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm [12].February or March 1991: Members of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8 gather up their gear as they prepare for a boarding exercise aboard the fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188). SEAL Team 8 provided boarding teams to assist the ships of the Maritime Interdiction Force in their enforcement of U.N. sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm [13].February or March 1991: A member of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8 sights through the optical sight of his 5.56mm M-16A1 rifle while other team members check their equipment in preparation for a training exercise aboard the fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188). SEAL Team 8 is providing boarding teams to assist the ships of the Maritime Interception Force in their enforcement of U.N. sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm [14].February or March 1991: Armed with MP-5A5E 9mm submachine guns, the members of a boarding team from Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8 run onto the bridge of the fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPRHEYS (T-AO-188) during a boarding exercise. SEAL Team 8 provided boarding teams to assist ships of the Maritime Interdiction Force in their enforcement of U.N. sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm [15].February or March 1991: A member of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8 points his 12-gauge M-870 shotgun up a ladder of the fleet oiler USNS J0SHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188) during a training mission. SEAL Team 8 is providing boarding teams to assist the ships of the Maritime Interception Force with their enforcement of U.N. sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm [16].February or March 1991: A member of Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) Team 8 fires his optical scope-equipped 5.56mm M-16A1 rifle during a weapon familiarization class held for visiting French commandoes on the fleet oiler USNS JOSHUA HUMPHREYS (T-AO-188). SEAL Team 8 is providing boarding teams to assist the ships of the Maritime Interception Force in their enforcement of U.N. sanctions against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm [17].
It is possible these photos were taken just before the start of hostilities, although all online records indicate February or March 1, 1991. Similar slings to the one on this page are also seen in some of the photos. The photos also show modified vests being used contemporarily with ABA modular vests.
Chicago Air and Water Show (July 29, 1991):
July 29, 1991 [18]: Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Bob Tanenholz signs autographs for fans at the 1991 Chicago Air and Water Show. The event features parachuting and beach assault performances by Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEAL) team members as well as demonstrations by Navy fighter aircraft [19].
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