swift boat

Noun

 * 1) A small, shallow draft water vessel used by the United States navy for counterinsurgency (COIN) operations during the Vietnam War; Fast Patrol Craft (PCF).

Etymology 2
From a 2004 campaign by political group to challenge the legitimacy of each combat medal awarded by the U.S. Navy to presidential candidate, and the disposition of his discharge.

Verb

 * 1)  to put forth sensational negative stories about a political figure as part of a smear campaign against them, especially regarding their military record