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About Patriotic Excursions

Adventure is the best educator

Captain Jay Leach, a longtime educator, public safety volunteer and fisherman, created Patriotic Excursions as a way to share his unique experience in an exciting, engaging way. Captain Jay taught history and political science for 28 years before making his love of the water his full-time job. But as a charter boat captain, Jay found himself unable to stop educating. To the delight of his patrons, he constantly shared facts and information about Virginia Beach, illuminating the depths of regional military history and expanding appreciation for the local environment. Finally, it occurred to him—This is a business. 

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Our philosophy is to educate clients on the history of Hampton Roads, our military, and public safety, along with honoring those in uniform who keep us safe. Patriotic Excursions only hires captains who have a military or public safety background and who enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. Their insider knowledge and experience has made Patriotic Excursions such a successful educational enterprise through its unique tours, training, and simulations.

 

Each Captain understands how our local assets complement and support our nation’s interests and efforts worldwide, turning their boat into their own private classroom on the Chesapeake Bay area.

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Patriotic Excursions is a veteran owned small business that uses and maintains authentic decommissioned naval RHIBs in order to educate the general public and special groups on how our military and public safety men and women provide safety, security, and environmental awareness in the maritime environment. Patriotic Excursions also offers its unique captain and vessel capabilities to both the public and private sectors. 

 

Our Story
Captain Jay

Meet Captain Jay

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  • 7 years as a SWAT and marine medic with the Virginia Beach Police Department 

  • 28 years experience as an educator makes him eager and able to customize tours and simulations for all age groups

  • Grew up fishing and boating along the shores of Virginia Beach his entire life

  • Licensed as a Captain, United States Coast Guard Master 25 Gross Tons

  • Loves fishing, and learned the tricks of the trade in places such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Florida Keys

  • “Coach Leach” has a keen interest in the Chesapeake Bay’s restoration process and loves to share that knowledge with others

Navy RHIBs

Real adventure

on a real Navy RHIB

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  • Inboard Cummins 6BT 210HP Diesel

  • Mercury Bravo 2 outdrive with Cow stainless steel Prop

  • Arch with Simrad radar, chart plotter on 9  inch screen, protective windshield

  • VHF Marine Radio

  • Wing Sponson with protective bra

  • Meets or exceeds all USCG requirements

Patriotic Excursions vessels are recently decommissioned, seven-meter RHIBs (rigid inflatable boats) from the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. These vessels were used to support surface warfare and special operations activities in the Middle East and the greater Pacific Theater areas. Today, they have a different mission: to show you how exciting it can be to experience, well, a patriotic excursion. We invite you to climb aboard The Patriot, ‘Merica, or The Merrimack.

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MEET 'MERICA

'Merica is one of our RHIBs with some special features that make her perfect for military ops or fishing.

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  • Simrad Radar & Chart-plotter & Fishfinder

  • On 9 inch screen

  • Upper Station with controls - great for site casting and tuna fishing 

  • Outriggers and Rocket launchers (holds 8 rods)

  • Live bait well / saltwater washdown

  • Mercury Bravo 2 outdrive with Cow stainless steel Prop

  • Protective windshield

  • VHF Marine Radio

  • Wing Sponson with protective bra

  • Meets or exceeds all USCG requirements

  • Cruises at 30 mph 

MEET PATTON

“Patton” is our 1995 Stewart & Stevenson M-1079 that serves as our mobile office, Tactical Command Center, and much more! Its four wheel drive drivetrain and central tire inflation system allows it to traverse any terrain with ease. Patton has its own generator, A/C, heat, VHF radio, WiFi, one-way windows, Command Board, multiple charging outlets, etc. 

What gives our captains an edge?

  • All have grown up in Virginia Beach on the water

  • All are current or former members of the public safety community, EMS, fire department, or police department

  • All enjoy fishing as a lifelong hobby

  • All are United States Coast Guard certified

Visit beautiful Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach is so much more than dolphin watching.

 

When planning your vacation, don't settle for a typical beach town. Not only do we have incredible views, whales & dolphins, and amazing fishing, we are also home to some of the most impressive military power in the world. Experience military history from the water for a one of a kind experience that can only happen in beautiful Virginia Beach, VA.

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Learn more about Virginia Beach

Visit VB
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