Stern Ramp

This ramp is used to bring aboard a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RIB).  The benefit of this new system is that the RIB operators can drive the boat directly up onto this ramp without the need for a crane to lift the RIB aboard.  The RIB cannot be driven completely up the ramp, however, and the short remaining distance is completed by means of a winch system that pulls the RIB into its final resting area (the line from the winch to the bow of the RIB can be seen between the two enlisted Naval personnel to the far left).  The hydraulic doors at the stern are then closed and the process is complete.  The SEALs and Special Boat Unit personnel can then exit the craft safely.  Note the .50-caliber machine gun on the starboard side, which can be used to provide covering fire in the event of a hostile extraction.  The aft section of the RIB can hold eight combat-equipped SEALs.