The origin of 'Gunboats' 

"The 'Gunboat' is slow moving, anxious, and always paranoid. Heavy in the water, it is his enemies that come for him, not the reverse. He waits for the airplane and the sub. He has a job to do, but they are looking for him. 

We men are always on the defensive, we check out everyone, and are always prepared to defend our women, our thoughts, or philosophy, our country, and our faith. Don't tell me we're not ready to fight, just try breaking into my home at night. 

But along with the state of being ready is the paranoia that it is coming, the Gunboat, that is." 
Robin VanArsdol, 1998