We took a field trip to see the Navy experimental ship, Stiletto, yesterday in Norfolk, VA. This is a real interesting vehicle and clearly built for speed. It has been used in a variety of ways by the Navy and Coast Guard. Apparently, it chased down some drug runners who tried to elude it by running at 42 knots over shallow water and coral reefs. Ultimately, though, that speed wasn't fast enough to out run the Stiletto. Great crew and dedicated professionals surround this experimental craft. And it was one hell of a ride.
Here's the Wikipedia entry on Stiletto.
And a few pictures: