Navy SEAL - DPV Gunner

A Navy SEAL mans a M2HB heavy machine gun mounted on a desert patrol vehicle (DPV) during a live fire exercise near Kandahar International Airport, 2002.

Note the AN/PEQ-15 laser device mounted on the M2HB.

In darkness and when used in conjunction with the night vision goggles (NVG), the PEQ-15 may be used as an aiming device and/or target indicator.

Note also the LAW 66mm disposable rocket launcher mounted within reach of the DPV gunner.

The Desert Patrol Vehicle is a dune-buggy-style light vehicle employed by U.S. special operation forces (SOF).

DPVs, and the later, improved Light Strike Vehicles (LSV), have been used by SEALs during Desert Storm (1991), Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The vehicles accommodate 3 SEALs: a driver and passenger, seated side-by-side at the front and a gunner, seated in an elevated position at the rear.

The gunner typically mans a M2 machine gun or 40mm grenade launcher, mounted with a forward arc of fire.

His seat can rotate around in order for him to operate a rear-facing weapon such as a M240 belt-fed machine gun.