Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today commended Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on their successful completion of the Experimental (X-Craft) Sea Fighter. The Navy will christen the Sea Fighter and designate it as the first Fast Sea Frame, Saturday, February 5, during a ceremony at Nichols Brothers on Whidbey Island.

In October, Larsen joined Secretary of the Navy Gordon England to tour the completed X-Craft. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, will attend the christening. His wife will serve as the ship’s sponsor and will formally christen the ship “Sea Fighter”.

“I want to congratulate the Nichols Brothers Boat Builders on the successful completion of the X-Craft,” Larsen said. “The locally-built Sea Fighter will change the way our Navy operates in near-shore waters and will improve our national security.”

He continued, “I am proud to represent in Congress companies like Nichols Brothers that are improving our national security and creating local jobs.”

The high-speed, experimental vessel will test a variety of technologies that will allow the Navy to operate more effectively in near-shore waters.

Larsen will be unable to attend Saturday’s event due to a scheduling conflict.

Larsen represents Washington state’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee.