Posted May 2013 Faceplate - Supervisor of Salvage and Diving

May 2013 2

Many events have transpired sincethe last “SUPSALV Sends”. Justthree days after I submitted the previousarticle, Superstorm Sandy made landfalland devastated the Eastern seaboard aroundNew York. Shortly after that, the USSGUARDIAN (MCM 5) ran aground inthe Philippines. In both events, the NavySalvage Triad flexed to provide tailoredresponses to the Nation’s needs.SUPERSTORM SANDY:On Halloween, I found myselfin Battery Park in lower Manhattan,responding to requests for support fromthe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Sandyhad come ashore on 29 October, bringingwith it a storm surge of nearly 14 feet.This extreme height of water overflowedand flooded a majority of the mass transittunnels between Manhattan, Brooklyn,Queens, and New Jersey. It also tookdown significant portions of the powergrid. For all intents and purposes, lowerManhattan, the financial capital of theUnited States (if not the world), was shutdown. My mission was clear – removethe water from the mass transit tunnels sotransportation could be restored.As more and more of the tunnelswere assigned to us, Donjon Marine,our east coast salvage contractor, rapidlyincreased their response, assigning notonly more Donjon personnel but alsopulling personnel and equipment fromother commercial providers. Each tunnelprovided unique challenges – volumeof water, discharge distance, dischargeheight, availability of prime moversor power sources, air circulation, etc.Donjon and their partners were ableto adapt and overcome, successfullymanaging multiple teams throughoutthe city to complete the dewateringmission well ahead of schedule.The Navy Salvors of Mobile Divingand Salvage Unit Two in Little Creekquickly responded as well, supportingthe dewatering of the Freedom Towerbasements and humanitarian efforts. NAVYSALVAGE – the combined efforts of ouruniformed divers (NDs, EODs, SEABEES,our Chief Warrant Officers, and our EDSalvage Engineers), our contracted supportat ESSM, and our commercial salvagepartners – swiftly responded to expeditiouslyreturn Manhattan, the heart of the GlobalEconomy, back to business as usual.USS GUARDIAN:Not long after that, in mid-January, theUSS GUARDIAN (MCM 5) ran agroundon the Tubbataha Reef in the Philippines.Again, NAVY SALVAGE was called toduty. All three components of the NavySalvage Triad responded to execute themost impressive salvage operation inseveral decades – our shipmates at MobileDiving and Salvage Unit One and SouthwestRegional Maintenance Center’s BattleDamage Response Team; USNS SALVORand USNS SAFEGUARD, with theircivilian mariner crew; and my office withthe commercial salvors of SMIT, Singapore.It was certainly a career highpoint to serveas the On-Scene Commander with suchgreat salvage divers as CDR Tom Murphyand his sailors at MDSU ONE and thesalvage masters and salvors from SMIT.Our role started with stabilization ofthe ship. This included the collection andremoval of armaments, ammunition andexplosives; classified and sensitive material;high value, man-portable components thatcould be returned to service; and theremoval of all fuel, lubricating oil, hydraulicoil, and hazardous materials. Access tothe ship was difficult – the wave actionslamming against the side of GUARDIANoften precluded boarding the vessel fromRHIBs. With these tasks complete, theimmediate risk of an ecological disasterfrom the further structural failure ofGUARDIAN was mitigated.With the arrival of more capable,dynamically positioned salvage assets,our team was able to start the in-placedisassembly of GUARDIAN. We liftedoff topside equipment and then began thepiecemeal removal of the superstructure.We cleared the exhaust funnel and startedremoving engine room components. Finally,we cleared cut paths and paths for the liftingslings and then sectioned the ship into fourpieces: the bow, auxiliary machinery room,main machinery room, and stern.To accomplish the in-situ disassemblyof the USS GUARDIAN with negligiblepersonal injuries and hazardous substancespills is certainly an impressive feat. Thiscan be directly attributed to the deck-plateleadership on the ship each and everyday – my Assistants for Salvage, MDSU’sMaster Divers and Chiefs, and SMIT’ssalvage supervisors. Well done.Those two events demonstratethat we, as Navy Salvors, can be calledupon at any time to respond to almostany emergency. Collectively, we havedemonstrated that we can achieveincredible results. I look forward to our nextchallenge, our next opportunity.NAVY DIVING LEADERSHIPOn a separate note, I need to extend thegratitude of the Navy Diving communityto RDML Stuart Munsch. During hisassignment as the Deputy Director ofUndersea Warfare (OPNAV N97B),Admiral Munsch has led the effort toestablish flag-level steering groups toalign efforts across our diverse divingcommunities not only within the Navy butalso across the Department of Defense.Collectively, these executive groups willserve the military diver by resolvingissues that cross claimancies and byproviding a strategic framework for howwe improve operational capabilities andinvest in technologies. We have lots ofwork to do, but, thanks to RDML Munsch’sleadership, we are off to a good start.Keep diving and stay safe.May 2013 3

Salvage ofEx-USS GUARDIANBy: LCDR Chris Addington and LT Dustin CunninghamSUPSALV, along with MobileDiving and Salvage Unit One(MDSU ONE), conducted operations todismantle and remove Ex-USS GUARD-IAN (MCM 5) from the Tubbataha ReefNational Park, Philippines after she ranaground on 17 January 2013 while transitingthe Sulu Sea. The Tubbataha Reefis located approximately 93 miles southwestof Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines,and is a Marine Protected Area andUNESCO World Heritage Site under theauthority of the Philippine Government.Salvage operations concluded on 3 April2013 as the Ex-USS GUARDIAN hadSalvage planning involving CTF73, SUPSALV, MDSU ONE andSMIT onboard USS Mustin in the vicinity of the Tubbataha Reef.been completely removed and the reefcleared of any remaining debris.Immediately following the groundingof USS GUARDIAN, coordinationbetween the Philippine government andthe US Navy was conducted throughthe US Embassy in Manila. As responseteams were mobilized and deployedto the area, coordination was directedthrough the Commander, Task Unit OperationGUARDIAN Ashore team, NavalSea Systems Command (NAVSEA), USForces Seventh Fleet, and CommanderU.S. Pacific Fleet to the on-scene CommandElement established on USS MUS-TIN (DDG 89) andincluded SUPSALV,CTF73 Salvage Officer,MDSU ONECommand Elementand supportingcompanies, andthe Battle DamageRepair Team fromSouthwest RegionalMaintenance Center(SWRMC) as well asSMIT Salvage teammembers.Navy salvageforces are organizedand equipped tomeet worldwide salvagerequirements. The triad of salvageconsists of MDSUs, MSC salvage ships,and SUPSALV. Because of the workingrelationship among the three functionalareas, the Navy salvage triad is able toleverage a wide range of salvage and recoverycapabilities to provide global andimmediate support to the fleet. Dependingon the operational requirements, anycombination of salvage functional areascan be used. For the salvage of Ex-USSGUARDIAN, all three legs of the salvagetriad were mobilized.OPNAVINST 4740.2 instructs SUP-SALV to maintain and execute worldwidesalvage contracts to respond to nationaltasking and to provide support forNavy Fleet OPS. SMIT Salvage (NAV-SEA’s WESTPAC Salvage Contractor)was directed and managed by SUPSALVin response to this CNO tasking. SMITSalvage was responsible for providingcommercial salvage assets as directedby SUPSALV to include two main heavylift cranes and several support vessels.JASCON 25, a pipe-laying constructionvessel, was the primary salvage platformcapable of positioning itself within40 meters of GUARDIAN. This vesselfunctioned as the main asset to dismantleEx-USS GUARDIAN and as an accommodationplatform for the salvage crewsof the US Navy and SMIT Salvage. WithMay 2013 4

Arial view of all Ex-USS Guardian salvage assets. Included are (from right to left);Ex-USS Guardian, JASCON 25, USNS Salvor, Archon Tide, Intrepid,S-7000(Barge) and Borneo.her dynamic positioning system, Jascon25 can operate her 800 MT crane withoutthe need to set anchors for mooring. Thesecond crane, SMIT Borneo (with 500MT revolving crane), arrived on-site inFebruary and supported the loading ofsalvaged sections onto an ocean-goingbarge for transport to a shore facility.Other commercial support vessels included;Archon Tide, Trabajador-1, Intrepid,VOS Apollo, and VOS Hercules.Military Sealift Command and US ForcesSeventh Fleet provided USNS Salvorand USNS Safeguard for Command andControl and salvage support.Throughout the operation, SUP-SALV received technical assistance fromNAVSEA shipyards and engineeringdirectorates needed to execute the salvageplan. In addition, SWRMC BattleDamage Response (BDR) team contributedin the salvage response by assistingSUPSALV with the initial damageassessment and stability calculationsnecessary for the development of thesalvage plan. SWRMC BDR divers alsoassisted in the hazardous material andloose item recovery operations.“SUPSALV personnel have a longhistory of executing successful salvageoperations and are once again demonstratingtheir expertise in this challengingenvironment,” said MichaelDean, SUPSALV’s Deputy Directorof Ocean Engineering. “The supportour ship design community and theirplanning yard experts have providedhas been brilliant and enabled the operationto continue to move ahead despiteweather setbacks and a continuallydeteriorating hull structure.”After the initial grounding, earlymorning on the 18th, GUARDIAN waspushed by the seas into a broached positionwith her starboard side to the reef.Her final resting position was in approximately1 - 2 m of water with a 5 degreeport list. Her keel rested on the reefalong her length. The rudders are partlyembedded in the coral/sand and severalport and starboard propeller blades hadbroken off lying beside the shafts whichwere embedded in the coral.Initial responsewas conducted by theCTF73 Salvage Engineerand the SMITSalvage team who hadbeen mobilized fromSingapore and arrivedon scene 19 January.The remaining salvageforces arrivedon scene the next dayfrom Puerto Princesa.First opportunity forinspection and assessmentwas 22 Januarywith hydrocarbon recoverycommencing on24 January.A salvage team,comprised of MDSUONE, SUPSALV andCTF73 Salvage Engineers, and SMIT,was able to safely board the GUARD-IAN and conduct an internal survey ofthe damage on 22 January. All compartmentswere flooded to the waterline aslevels varied with the tides. Significantdamage was identified in the AuxiliaryMachinery Room (AMR) and Main MachineryRoom (MMR). Coral head puncturewas confirmed in the AMR at frame45 and multiple coral penetrations werealso noted in the MMR. Wood shardsfrom the hull were floating on the watersurface of the AMR. It was confirmedthat the bulkhead between AMR andMMR was lifted, allowing free communicationbetween the two compartments.Significant structural damage occurredon the mess decks located on the maindeck above the AMR and MMR dueto cracks in the bulkheads.From the stern forward, the bottomwas severely damaged by the coral.In several places the hull was breachedcausing ingress of water within the lowercompartments. Due to the continuousmotions on the coral, the engines wereout of alignment and elevated. Frame 63had shifted and keel deformation was evidentbetween frames 41 and 76. On the02 level (superstructure) several crackswere observed from frames 55 to 72around the exhaust stack. Due to the motionin the structure, the cracks widenedslowly during adverse weather conditionsand continuous impact of the wavesHydrocarbons and hazardous materials being pumped fromEx-USS Guardian to the VOS Apollo.May 2013 5

of the hull causingmotion ofthe vessel andslowly deterioratingits condition.Routinely, dueto large swells,team memberswere requiredto jump in thewater, swim overthe reef and boardthe casualty on the starboard site. Medicalevacuation of team members, if anincident occurred, was practiced on adaily basis. Throughout the entire salvageoperation, there were zero reportedinjuries or safety mishaps.Since the GUARDIAN’s grounding,the salvage forces worked meticulouslyto recover anyreusable equipmentand removeany potentiallyharmful materialsincludingpetroleum-basedproducts and humanwastewater.In addition toperforming theinitial salvageassessment,SUPSALV oversawthe removalof fuel, lubricatingoils, and hazardousmaterial that could be salvagedfrom the ship. No fuel had leaked sincethe grounding and all of the approximately15,000 gallons aboard GUARDIANwere safely transferred off the ship. “Wecontinue to work closely with the PhilippineCoast Guard, Navy, and TubbatahaReef Park Rangers, and we are gratefulfor the support and advice we have receivedto remove Guardian and minimizefurther damage to the reef,” said CaptainMatthews. Ordnance and ammunitionMDSU ONE divers rigging main engine forremoval from Ex-USS Guardian.against the portside hull. Due to the impactof the waves, the GRF (Glass ReinforcedFiber) on the portside of the hullhad come off and was scattered on theleeside of the vessel on the reef.“The removal of GUARDIANfrom the reef requires thorough planningand operating in an environment80 miles from the nearest port presentsmany challenges,” said Capt. Mark Matthews,SUPSALV. “The environmentonboard GUARDIAN requires constantvigilance. We brief safety every morning,are cognizant of the risks involvedwith working in severely damaged shipspaces and strive to minimize injuryto personnel at all times.”Salvage operations were suspendedseveral times because of bad weather.The vessel was subject to the prevailingnortheast monsoon conditions andsea swells are impacting the port sideEx-USS Guardian bow section lift - 314 tons.JASCON 25 in position for main engine lift from Ex-USS Guardian.were accounted for and removed immediatelyafter the salvage assessment. Asfar as practicable, all loose items fromwithin the hull and on deck were removedby RHIB to other vessels to mitigate possibleenvironmental impact.Due to the amount of bottom damage,development of cracks in the structure,and the current position of the vessel onthe reef, refloating was not an option. Althoughseveral options for recovery hadbeen discussed, it was decided that theEx-USS GUARDIAN would be dismantledinto several recoverable sections andremoved as soon as possible. As weathercontinued to deteriorate the structural integrityof the casualty, immediate salvageexecution became a priority. Any delayin the recovery could potentially be catastrophicto a controlled salvage operation.Early in the planning process it wasdetermined that lifting the lower sectionsin pieces was not a feasible option. Becauseof the degradation of the keel anddeterioration of the AMR and MMR, theMay 2013 6

machinery and other heavy pieces of equipmentcould fall through the hull if a lift wasattempted. The salvage plan was changed tolifting the machinery and other heavy equipmentindividually before picking up piecesof the hull. Grabbers were contracted out inthe event rigging was no longer an option topick up pieces of the GUARDIAN.The initial dismantling was conductedby MDSU ONE, and SMIT including majordeck equipment, the mast, the funnel, and the02 and 01 levels. To assist in the final task ofcutting the hull sections, SMIT, as directedby SUPSALV, hired on an additional demolitioncrew. They were tasked with assisting inmajor machinery removal from MMR and thefinal cutting of the four hull sections. Stabilityof the remaining casualty after cutting ofa section was a major factor in finalizing thesalvage plan. While the vessel becomes lighterduring removal of the structure it becomes increasinglysubject to the elements. “The liftingof the first large hull section was a significantaccomplishment. Each of these sections weighsabout 250 tons,” said Captain Matthews. Thedemolition team, as well as MDSU Divers, begancutting operations on 25 February with thefinal section lift completed on 30 March.All pieces were lifted by Jascon 25 and relocatedonto a barge for transit to SRF Sasebo,Japan and further dismantling. Salvage operationssecured on 3 April 2013 as the debrisfield was cleared by SUPSALV and MDSUONE. Navy assets remained onsite to completethe joint Philippines and US Marine EnvironmentalAssessment of the reef damage.The salvage of the Ex-USS Guardian hasbeen a learning experience for not just the USNavy, but the salvage industry as a whole. Theuniqueness of this salvage effort, from operatingin a remote location under harsh environmentalconditions to performing salvage calculationsand modeling on a wooden hull under intensestresses, has demonstrated the flexibility andcapability of the US Navy’s Salvage Triad toget the job done right. Hooyah, Deep Sea!SMIT salvage contractor guiding main engine as it is being liftedfrom the Ex-USS Guardian funnel section.Divers removing fi nal debris around Ex-USS Guardian reef damage.LT Cunningham and LCDR Addington areserving as Salvage Assistants at NAVSEA00C.Cover Photo: Ex-USS Guardian groundedon Tubbataha Reef.Final confi guration of Ex-USS Guardian debris on S-7000/Borneo - preparations for tow to Sasebo, Japan.May 2013 7

Navy’s ‘Copperhead’ Trains Future EOD TechniciansBy Ensign Elizabeth Allen, Naval School of Explosive Ordnance and Diving Public AffairsEGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.(NNS) -- The Navy’s SeniorMaster Diver is helping to train futuregenerations of EOD techniciansat the Naval School ofExplosive Ordnance Disposal.Master Chief Navy DiverEric Holliday, Command MasterDiver (MDV) at NAVSCO-LEOD is the Navy’s “copperhead,”a title held by the U.S.Navy Diver (ND) who hasbeen a Master Diver the longest.The term ‘copperhead’originates from the copperhelmet of the Mark V divesuit, a familiar symbol representingdeep-sea divers, eventhough its use was discontinuedin the early 1980s.Holliday currently worksat the Underwater Ordnancedivision (UOD) at NAVSCO-LEOD, where he helps trainstudents and their instructors.“One of the many positiveimpacts MDV has had inUOD is the amount of realismand relevance he brings duringthe course of training students in divingoperations,” said LT Jeffrey Schultz,UOD division officer. “Whether an instructoris qualifying as a new or priordiving supervisor, anyone present duringthe training MDV conducts comesout with not only a better understandingof the dive evolution, but also a newfoundrespect for the inherent risks NavyDivers encounter every day.”Holliday joined the Navy in February1984, and spent his first year attendingInterior Communications Electrician(IC) “A” School. He then reported toUSS MOINESTER (FF 1097), a Knoxclassfrigate, for his first duty station.“When I first joined the Navy,standing duty on the MOINESTER, Ididn’t like it,” said Holliday. “I didn’trealize there was a dive programwhen I joined, so I spent a year in theNavy, and then attended dive school.”Holliday left the MOINESTER toattend dive school and became a U.S.Navy diver in August 1985.Master Chief Navy Diver Eric Holliday, Command Master Diver(MDV) at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCO-LEOD), describes the recompression chamber to Seaman ElijahMoore and Seaman John Dirks in the Underwater OrdnanceDisposal division of school, Jan. 29, 2013. Holliday is the Navy’s“Copperhead,” a title held by the most senior MDV in theNavy. U.S. Navy Photo by Ensign Elizabeth Allen/RELEASED.“When I became a diver, thingsgot better and my views on everythingchanged,” said Holliday. “I found a senseof camaraderie in the dive community.”It has proven enough of a changefor Holliday to continue on withhis Navy career for 30 years.Holliday became a Master Diverin 1995, and succeeded Master ChiefNavy Diver Gary Furr as the copperhead.Furr, former Command Master Diverof the Naval EOD Technology Divisionin Indian Head, Md., retired in 2012.“We met for lunch at a very informalceremony when he passed thetitle to me,” said Holliday.Throughout his nearly 30 years in theNavy, Holliday has been stationed aroundthe world, but of all his duty stations,his favorite place was Guam.“Guam is great - the water is veryclear to dive in,” said Holliday. “Duringthe 1990s, I was stationed at U.S.Navy Ship Repair Facility and at Commander,U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas,where I performed a lot ofship’s husbandry and inspections.We also operated thebusiest recompression chamberin the Navy.”While in Guam, Hollidayreceived the Ancient Order ofthe Chamori Award, which isthe highest award that can begiven to a non-Guamanian.The award was presented forHolliday’s assistance to localdivers with the recompressionchamber.“In Guam, there were alot of civilian divers, and wetreated them when they receiveddive-related injuries,”said Holliday. “I probablytreated four-to-five hundredpatients throughout my career.Treating someone in thechamber and bringing themback from being unconsciousis very rewarding. Afterward,they stand up and shakeyour hand. There’s nothing like that.”Following his years in Guam, Hollidaytransferred to commands in PuertoRico and Bahrain, then on to NavalDiving and Salvage Training Center(NDSTC), followed by a set of orders tothe Center for EOD and Diving, wherehe helped to create the ND EnlistedLearning and Development Road Map,updated the ND Occupational Standards,helped to write ND E4-E7 advancementexams and updated the 1st Class Diverand 2nd Class Diver curricula.“He made an immediate impact onNDSTC,” said Master Chief Navy DiverLouis Deflice, MDV at Commander SubmarineDevelopment Squadron 5, Silverdale,Wash. “As the training departmentMDV, he was tasked with updatingcourse curriculum to reflect the largestchange to the Navy Diving manual in(Continued on page 10)May 2013 8

Marine Corps Diving MissionMarines of the 1st Marine SpecialOperations Battalion (MSOB)alongside the Sailors of 1st MSOB ConsolidatedDive Locker (CDL) recentlyworked together to train for combatantdiving operations in Oahu, Hawaii.The Marines of 1st MSOB are nostranger to the rigorous training and highdeployment tempo assigned to them byUS Special Operations Command (SO-COM). Becoming a Marine Special OperationsCommand (MARSOC) Operatorisn’t an easy task and is never takenlightly. Only after a board selection is aMarine allowed to attempt the 7-monthIndividual Selection Course. The courseis designed to test and improve upon theindividual’s capability to meet worldwidespecial operations assignment. Only afterthey have successfully completed theprerequisites to become a MARSOC Marinewill they be granted the title of Spartan,a title built on the shoulders of theMarines that came before them.The Sailors of the 1st MSOB CDLhave played a huge role in preparing MarineCombatant Divers for use in futurewater born operations. Always lookingfor new ways to recapture the importanceof diving operations, Commanding Officer,LTCOL Michael Brooks, requestedthat a training operation be planned,scheduled, and completed. Master Diver,NDCM Brian Pratschner, had decidedthat testing the battalions’ capabilityto successfully deploy overseas was ofthe utmost importance. There was, ofcourse, a catch to the mission; the Sailorshad to establish and execute a plan thatwould allow them to be self-sustainableduring the entire operations.On the morning of 2 January 2012,five sailors and 16 Marines departedNaval Air Station San Diego for Oahu,Hawaii. Directly upon landing at MarineCorps Station Kaneohe Bay, the Marinesand Sailors had the task of immediatelyunpacking and setting up the dive stationin order to make the scheduled dives thefollowing day. The gear that had beenbrought on this training operation had itsfirst trial journey by air. Among the gearbrought to Hawaii were one TransportableRecompression Chamber (TRC),three Diver Propulsion Devices, one generator,one Mini Bauer Compressor, andone Rapid Deployment Oxygen TransferPump System (RDOTPS).The TRC was the newest piece ofgear that had been developed specificallyfor use in overseas deployments alongsidethe Sailors of the CDL. THE TRChad been mounted inside an ISU-90 shippingcontainer with CAUSE Air supplyracks installed directly below and an oxygenrack installed above the recompressionchamber. Additional supplementaloxygen had also been installed via twoOxygen K bottles. The housing for theTRC had the added benefit of having internallymounted lights and an internallymounted air conditioning system withthe capability of using an external generatorto power the entire system.Everything that was to board theC-130 for our movement phase of the operationhad to be packed in accordancewith the Code of Federal Regulations.Utilizing two separate ISU-90 shippingcontainers, an entire diving side wasneatly packed away and ready for movement.In one container was the entireTRC system set up. Members of the CDLpackaged the chamber by adding extraprotection to the gauges utilizing piecesof plywood in the event that any gearpacked around the chamber slipped. AllBy: HM2 (FMF/DV) Wallace Justinof the gear packed around the chamberwas cleaned and had no risk of leakingany fluids or creating any type of hazardto the certified system. The additionalshipping container was packed withtwo Evinrude 55hp MFE outboard engines,two zodiac rigid inflatable boats,one 5000k generator, and other miscellaneousdiving equipment. Ensuring thatboth engines and generator met with theflight standards involved completelydraining all fluids and ensuring the externalparts remained clean and free ofdirt and oil. After every piece of gear wasinspected before boarding the aircraft,we were ready for take-off.The Marines had one mission andthat was to refamiliarize themselves withthe MK-25 rebreather and the Diver PropulsionDevice. The MK-25 under waterbreathing apparatus is a 100% oxygenclosed loop system that gives divers theability to complete longer dive times, butprevents them from reaching any depthdeep than 60 feet in the water due tothe high risk of oxygen toxicity. Severalday dives began with Marines navigatingthe coral entrapped waterways utilizingonly their compasses and depthgauges. Navigating the coral heads ofHawaii can be a tricky task for diverswho have never seen such coral formationsbefore, but after a few bumps andminor scrapes the Marines were able toMay 2013 9

HM2 Wallace setting up TRC system in Hawaii.complete a successful day diving operation,which involved launching from aZodiac inflatable boat and completing afully planned beach entry.Day operations for divers can bequite easy when compared to the commonnight diving operations that are consideredto be the Marine Corps bread andbutter. When the Divers of 1st MSOBenter the water at night, there are no divelights to help guide them through thecoral or along the dangerous bottom. TheMarines were allowed to make some premissionplanning that involved graphingand plotting their desired swim paths.By knowing the desired distance, a Marineis able to determine the amount oftime he must swim before adjusting hisheading for a new waypoint.Using the Diver PropulsionDevice is no easy task,even during the day. Theminiature submarine lookingdevice required completeconcentration and any minordirectional change can put aMarine at the wrong insertUS Marine Corps dive team ready to enter water,Kaneohe Bay Hawaii.point and possibly in the enemy’s arms.With a maximum speed of 2.7 knots withtwo divers, this two-person delivery vehicleallows Marines to increase their distanceof insertion into the water by providingshorter dive times. The 1st MSOBMarines quickly learned that coral headsdon’t do a terrible amount of damage tothe vehicles. After completing a few setsof day dives with the device there wasa great appreciation for thermal protectionas the inability to swim during transportcauses the body to quickly lose heatin any water below body temperature.After the week of dive training, therewas nothing left to do but repack the gearand prepare for another longflight home aboard anotherC-130. The Sailors and Marinesof 1st MSOB made asuccessful movement andtrained for an unknown divingoperation and then successfullyreturned to theirhomeport. The ability to remainfully self sustainablewasn’t an easy task, but agreat amount of knowledgehad been gathered in performingthe task that willgreatly aid future missionsand deployments of completediving teams.HM2 (FMF/DMT) Wallace is assigned to 1stMarine Special Operations Battalion. The onlyDMT attached to the Consolidated Dive Locker(CDL), he provides direct support to all divingcommand and functions onboard MarineCorps Base Camp Pendleton, CA.Article Cover Photo: US Marine Corps divers usingMK-25 and Diver Propulsion Device (DPD).(Continued from page 8)decades. The entire curriculum for halfa dozen high-risk diving courses hadto basically be rewritten.”Holliday was also responsible forthe implementation of the changesthroughout the NDSTC training department,to include the conversion of makingNavy Diver its own rate.“NDSTC officially made the transitionfrom a ‘training command’ to aNavy “A” School, which presented hugechallenges never anticipated at the command,”said Deflice. “Through it all,Holliday managed to expertly guide theinstructors and training department overhurdle after hurdle. I honestly don’t knowanyone else capable of such accomplishmentswhile simultaneously ensuring histraining department was training and puttingout such highly skilled Navy Divers.”Holliday has also helped overhaulthe Diving Salvage Warfare SpecialistPersonnel Qualification Standards (PQS),which is now known as the Military DiverPQS, and made it applicable to all services.But above all the awards receivedand the changes he has helped to make,he believes the most rewarding part ofhis job have been working with Sailors.“My time as an instructor and instructortrainer have been some of thebest parts of my time in the Navy; helpingmy subordinates and my replacementsto achieve what I’ve achieved,”said Holliday. “It’s been a great career- the people, the friends I’ve made, thecamaraderie, the job itself.”“He has made a huge impact on mylife both personally and professionally,”added Deflice. “I was a young chief whenI worked for him and he taught me moreabout leadership, ethics, and the importanceof standards than anyone before orsince. He was, and remains, my mentorand role model. I consider myself veryfortunate to have been trained by MasterDiver Holliday and I proudly try to teachmy men what he has taught me.”NAVSCOLEOD, located on EglinAir Force Base, Fla. provides high-risk,specialized, basic and advanced EODtraining to more than 2,100 U.S. andpartner nation military and selected U.S.government personnel each year.For more information about the NavalSchool of Explosive Ordnance Disposal,visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/ceneoddive/eods/.Ensign Elizabeth Allen is a public affairs offi -cer assigned to Naval School Explosive OrdnanceDisposal, Eglin AFB, Florida.May 2013 10

International StudentsLearn to Dive atNaval Training CenterBy Ensign Elizabeth AllenPANAMA CITY, FL (NNS) --With their instructors watchingclosely, U.S. Navy and internationalstudents participated in Pool Week atNaval Diving and Salvage Training Center(NDSTC), March 25-29.Pool Week tests the students’ proficiencyin the water by performing in-waterchecks of their dive gear, the ability totread water while wearing tanks, and howto correct multiple problems with equipmentunderwater while remaining calm.The class is held once a year, andprior to arriving at NDSTC, internationalstudents attend the Defense Language Institutein Monterey, CA if they need tobecome more proficient in the Englishlanguage.International students begin bylearning the basics in the 2nd Class Divercourse, followed by more advanced curriculumin the 1st Class Diver course.Training is conducted in classrooms, butthe majority of learning happens in the facilitiesin and around the school.“We don’t have this type of trainingfacility back home,” said LT MarcqLewin of the Jamaican Coast Guard.“We don’t have the support equipment,like the dive chamber, a ship primarilyfor diving, or the pools. The trainingwe’re doing is to prepare us for reallife - train hard, fight easy.”The current class of 11 students, eachfrom a different country, spent a weeklearning through various training evolutionsthat not only test their abilities inthe water, but the faith they have in theirtraining.“I’ve enjoyed every second of mytime here,” said 1st LT Mahmood BanyOmar, a member of the Marine Battalionof the Jordanian Navy. “I’m not a diver,so this is all new to me. This is the bestcourse I have ever been to.”Navy Diver 1st Class James Stubbs,one of two international military studentinstructors, has been an instructor at theschool for more than a year and has enjoyedworking with international students.“It’s a good experience teaching”international students,” said Stubbs. “Ilike getting a chance to see and learnabout different cultures.”Pool Week occurred this year for theinternational class during a cold spell,where the temperature was 56 degrees.Being in a heated pool then get-ting out to the cold air was difficult forseveral of the students.“The weather has been challenging,”said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jose Cid, amember of the Chilean Navy.“I love America, but it’s a bit cold,”said LT Lewin.NDSTC, located in Panama City,FL provides a controlled diving environmentas well as direct access to openwater diving throughout the Gulf ofMexico, and trains all Department of Defensedivers to include Navy, Army, AirForce, Coast Guard and all Marine Corpscombatant divers, a limited number oflaw enforcement, government agencypersonnel and allied forces.U.S. Navy Photos by CWO3 Dale Kasztelan/RELEASED.Cover Photo: U.S. Navy and internationalstudents at Naval Diving and Salvage TrainingCenter (NDSTC) participate in Pool Week,Mar. 24, 2013. Pool Week tests the students’profi ciency in the water by performing inwaterchecks of their dive gear, the abilityto tread water while wearing tanks, andhow to correct multiple problems with theirequipment while staying calm.An instructor observes two internationalstudents as they “buddy breathe” whilecorrecting a problem with their equipment.Instructors observe astudent underwater.Two students jump from aplatform into the water.May 2013 11

Hotel Pier Pile RestorationBy Construction Maintenance Chief (SCW/FMD/DV) Elisia CorreaUnderwater Construction Diving Detachment Alfa (CDD/A), attached to Underwater Construction Team (UCT)Two, from Port Hueneme, California recently completed tasking to repair and preserve 30 piles on Hotel Pier, locatedin Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), HI. The efforts conducted by the SEABEE Divers of UCT TWO consistedof inspection, cleaning, and repair of 30 piles in accordance with an Appledore Marine Engineering Inc. design specification.UCT TWO has a long history with JBPHH’s Hotel Pier. It is a common stop during their deployments across thePacific. “UCT TWO has made multiple repairs to this pier over the course of the last few years,” said Equipment OperatorChief James Igoe “ but never has a detachment completed this many pilings in such a short timeframe, CDD/A set the new record!”With time sensitive deployment stops ahead of them CDD/A had 6 weeks to complete their 30 pile workload.CDD/A had to adhere to a strict schedule, completing 5 piles per week to meet their goal. With several steps involved in therepair of each pile this was a busy task. Before they could access the concrete piles a sometimes extensive removal of marine overgrowthwas required. After exposing the pile surface they were able to chip away the exterior concrete to access the rebar. Whilethat was happening concrete forms were constructed on the surface. With the piles prepped cathodic protection wires were brazedto exposed rebar and zinc anodes were fastened. Finally, the forms were placed around each pile and concrete was placed.Challenges included delays due to ship traffic, refueling requirements of equipment on the pier, and wave action from dailyferry traffic taking groups to and from the nearby USS ARIZONA memorial. Equipment Operator 1st Class Leroy Schnathorst decidedthe constant wave action was especially memorable. “Drilling holes for the J-Box installation while the waves were coming infrom the ferry’s going to and from the Arizona Memorial really took you for a ride under the pier while on floating pontoons.”Fulfilling their mission of supporting the Fleet and Marine forces in the PACOM AOR, maintenance of Hotel Pier isthe first stop on a 6 month deployment of UCT TWO that will take them across the Pacific, from Pearl Harbor to the Philippineswith numerous stops in between. For the SEABEE Divers at UCT TWO it’s just another day at the office.Construction Maintenance Chief (SCW/FMD/DV) Elisia Correa is the OIC of Construction Dive Detachment ALFA, with Underwater ConstructionTeam Two, based out of Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, CA.Construction Mechanic 3rd ClassDaniel Nichols and Builder 2nd ClassKeith Reed, prepare formwork forconcrete placement.Steel Worker 2nd Class (SCW/DV) HollyRamirez prepares a pile at Joint BasePearl Harbor's Hotel Pier for concreteform work by scrapping marine growthoff with a heavy duty scraper.Equipment Operator 1st Class JamesMcVicar and Hospital Corpsman 1stClass Ryan Irvine prepare formworkfor concrete placement.Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SCW/DV) Ryan Irvine uses a vibratoryhammer during a pile restorationproject to vibrate concrete withinformwork surrounding a pile.Photos By: Chief Elisia CorreaEquipment Operator 1st Class (SCW/DV) Leroy Schnathorst pumps concretein to formwork during pile restorationwork.Builder 2nd Class Justin Lieder chipsaway concrete with a pneumatic chippinghammer in order to attach cable to theexisting rebar to be able to integrateit into the new cathodic protectionsystem being installed by UCT 2.May 2013 12

Requirements Generatedfor the Diving CommunitySuppose the Navy needs a new divingapparatus. Suppose there is such a gapin what your current apparatus can do andwhat it should be able to do that USN isready to seek-out a replacement system.Where would we start? There area lot of commercially availablesystems, but would they meetour needs? How would weknow? How would we verifythat those systems can do whattheir manufacturer advertisesthat they can do? Do we need todevelop a new military systembecause no commercial systemmeets our needs? How long willthat take? How much will thatcost? Do we have the funding?Where do we start?The answer to all of thesequestions, and many more, beginswith properly developed“Requirements.”This article is an overviewof the processes and decisionsthat have to take place in orderfor the Navy’s diving communityto properly develop the“Requirements” for new or updateddiving systems. A big “R”is used in requirements in thisinstance because it representsthose specific qualities and capabilitiesthat a diving system is“required” to have. What is the differencebetween “Requirements” and “requirements”?That will be clear by the end ofthis article, but for now let’s just say thatit is the difference between what Congresswill pay for and what you “wish”for in a new diving system.To start the discussion of how Requirementsare generated, let’s look atwho owns the requirements for the newdiving system. Is it your dive locker?How about the Commanding Officer,COMNECC, or Fleet Forces Command?No. They should all be participants, orrepresented, in the development of theRequirements, but they do not own them.Requirements are owned by the CNO.Various branches of the OPNAV staff,specifically N95 and N97, are the RequirementsOfficers for USN EOD anddiving systems. As such, it is their responsibilityto draft and approve formalrequirements for new or upgraded divingsystems. They do that with the help ofFleet Divers, TYCOM personnel, ProgramManagement Office personnel, andso forth. The Requirements that they approvewill be captured in various formalcapabilities documents that themselvesrequire additional approval through theJoint Capabilities Integration and DevelopmentSystem (JCIDS). JCIDS is aDoD system that operates well outsideof the control of the EOD and divingcommunities, and to some extent out-By: LCDR Stephen Keeneside of the reach of the Navy’s RequirementsOfficers. Now that we know whoowns the Requirements for our newdiving system, let’s look at how the Requirementsthemselves are developed.Since the RequirementsOfficer has the responsibilityfor developing theRequirements for the newdiving system and developingthe formal capabilitydocuments to processthrough JCIDS, it is logicalthat they would initiatethe process for draftingand documenting the initial(little “r”) requirements.These requirements includeall of the good ideas, opinions,and desires of thosewho are asked to participatein an event such as aRequirements WorkingGroup or a RequirementsDevelopment Meeting forthe new diving system.These draft requirementsare not yet approved, thusthe little “r” designation.This is where the dooropens wide to considerthreat assessments, technologicalimprovements,doctrine, tactics, manning,funding, “nice-to-have’s” and so forthto drive the discussion on the requirementsfor the new system. This is thesingle best opportunity for the end-userto have an influence on the capabilitiesof a new or upgraded diving system.Can you “ask for the world” at the RequirementsWorking Group? Yes. Willyou get it? Probably not. Here is why:everything in the systems acquisitionprocess is driven by cost, schedule, andtechnical feasibility. If the requirementsfor the new system demand a substantialinvestment for technology development,require extensive time to develop, or cre-May 2013 13

ate substantial risk to the program becauseit uses immature technology, thenit is either less likely that those requirementswill become formal Requirements,or they will become the Requirements atthe expense of other attributes that can nolonger be afforded. Once the long list ofrequirements is drafted it is time to startselecting the valid requirements and conductinga trade-off analysis.Making trade-offs is key to downselectingthe less important requirementsin favor of the more important requirements.Why? Because we cannot affordeverything, and some requirementscompete against one another – for example,size and weight. Trade-offs can bemade in the areas of size, weight, shape,functionality, performance, technologicalmaturity, and cost considerations.At the end of the trade-off analysis,the end state should be a list of validrequirements that adequately addressthe threat considerations, meet the necessarytactical and performance criteria,have an adequate technological maturity,and have a realistic cost expectation.Consider down-selecting the invalidrequirements step one in the trade-offprocess. These validated requirementswill become the approved Requirementsin the formal JCIDS documents – theInitial Capabilities Document, the CapabilitiesDevelopment Document, andthe Capabilities Production Document.Step two in the Requirements tradeoffprocess is the assignment of Key PerformanceParameters, Key System Attributes,and Other Attributes. The KeyPerformance Parameters of a system arethose Requirements that must be metotherwise there is no point in fielding thenew system. They are the critical capabilities.All other capabilities are of lesserimportance. However, they are not theonly Requirements for the system, thuswe have the Key System Attributes whichare of secondary importance, and finallythere are the Other Attributes, whichare valid Requirements themselves, butare of lesser importance. Within eachof these Requirements there are thresholdand objective specifications. Thethreshold specification is the minimumcapability the new system must meetfor a given Requirement. The objectivespecification is the optimum capabilityfor the same Requirement. Why not justdevelop to the objective specificationand get the best capability? It costs a lotmore, and we cannot afford (in dollarsand time) to develop everything to themaximum capability. Consider the maximumoperational depth of a new divingsystem as a Key Performance Parameter.Its threshold specification might be 100FSW, whereas its objective specificationmight be 150 FSW. In this example,the threshold of 100 FSW is the absoluteminimum acceptable depth for themaximum operational depth Requirement,but 150 FSW would be optimum,so that is the objective specificationfor the same Requirement. Once thesystem Requirements, Key PerformanceParameters, Key System Attributes,Other Attributes, and their associatedThreshold & Objective specificationsare determined, then it is the responsibilityof the Requirements Officer tomove the proper documents through theJCIDS process for approval.In addition to the JCIDS documentsthere are numerous other official acquisitiondocuments that are required by eitherstatute or regulation to ensure thatthe new or improved diving system has arealistic and verifiable cost and schedule,and that it meets its required performancespecifications. There are also numerousreviews and test events that take place inthe manufacturer’s facilities, governmentlabs, field experiments, and at the associatedSystems Command to further ensurethat all of the Requirements are met andthat the system maintains cost and scheduleadherence. These processes take along time. Systems Acquisition takesyears. Why? Because it takes a lot of timeto develop the proper requirements, tocontract for the development and manufactureof a new product, to properly testa new system to ensure that it meets theRequirements and (especially for Diver’sLife Support Systems) is safe to use in amilitary capacity, and to simultaneouslydevelop all of the associated training andmaintenance plans and materials.But what if the requirements need tochange while a two-to-four year acquisitionprocess runs? There are a few options.First, you can wait for the finishedproduct, and then adjust your tactics andtechniques to make use of the new systemeven though it does not meet your“new” requirements. (They are little “r”requirements because they have not beenapproved.) This approach saves time andmoney, as it does not interrupt the acquisitionprocess.Second, you can attempt to stop theacquisition process, get a new set of Requirementsapproved, and then re-startthe acquisition process. This approachwill be extremely expensive and timeconsuming. Imagine you are building anew house and just before it is finishedyou decide you want the contractor tomove the fireplace and chimney to otherside of the house! Changing the Requirementsmidway through the acquisitionprocess will definitely cause an increasein the system’s cost and delivery scheduleat a minimum. It may also create alegal conflict with the manufacturer anda host of other funding and contractualproblems.A third approach would be to receivethe new diving system that meets theoriginal Requirements and make gooduse of it by adjusting your tactics andtechniques, and at the same time initiatean incremental improvement process thatgets new Requirements approved, newfunding authorized, and a new designdeveloped. This could create a modificationto the diving system that couldbe implemented at a depot organizationor by the manufacturer, or it could be anew system, wholly redesigned, that getsdelivered a few years later.No matter the reason for changingthe Requirements mid-process, the outcomeis always the same…increased systemcost and extended delivery schedule.That is why it is imperative to get theRequirements right initially; even if itmeans spending a lot of extra time developingthem! It is the best way to getthe diving system you need.LCDR Stephen Keene is the Directorof EOD Programs for PMS 408, theNavy’s Program Management Office forexpeditionary mission systems. He is anEOD/Diving Offi cer, a member of theAcquisition Corps, and holds an MBA inSystems Acquisition Management fromthe Naval Postgraduate School.May 2013 14

SAIPANDANGER TONAVIGATION(DTON)REMOVALBy: CWO3 Randy DuncanIn December 2008 USNS SAFE-GUARD and Mobile Diving& Salvage Unit ONE (MDSU ONE)Company 1-8 (CO 1-8), were taskedby COMSEVENTHFLT with removingDangers to Navigation (DTON) inSaipan Harbor and channel in order toprovide safe navigation for CG 47 andDDG 51 Class ships. The operation wasconducted over 21 days by a 15-man divingdetachment that conducted 48 surfacesupplied and SCUBA dives with 101hours total of bottom time.All DTON locations were surveyedand reported by the Fleet Survey Team(FST) based out of the Stennis SpaceCenter. GPS locations were found tobe extremely accurate so GPS locationsalone were used to choose the spotin which to moor. CO 1-8 indicated tothe ship where to moor and laid out thedesired scope and position of the ship.During the mooring process, companypersonnel worked closely with the ship’sNavigator, Mates, and Master to ensurethat the ship was moored in the correctlocation. This relationship worked verywell and saved a great deal of time. Havingoversight of the mooring evolutionis an important part of the operation toprevent divers from having to move wiretoo far in the water. MDSU ONE, Company1-8 was able to lay 3 precision 2point moors and salvage 2 large DTONSin the same day. Large scale charts withDTON positions overlaid were useful inplotting the appropriate moor.There is no accurate way to estimatethe weight of the DTONS on the bottomor in the water column which makes selectionof rigging difficult. Previous toCO 1-8, no one measured the weightof any of the DTONSbrought on deck. All initialrigging selections werebased on rough estimatesof weight, rigging used byprevious companies, aswell as the limited riggingavailable on board SAFE-GUARD at the time.Diver’s pneumofathometerhoses were placeddirectly on top of DTONSto determine the depth ofthe DTON. All DTONdepths in the report fromthe FST were given at MeanLower Low Water (MLLW).It was important to comparedaily tidal changesagainst MLLW when determiningthe depth of theDTONS to ensure that theyare on the correct DTON. Once DTONSwere located and identified, the circumferencewas measured and the appropriatechoker sling selected.Once the DTON was marked for removal,it was choked off with 1¼” wirerope through a shackle. The bitter end ofthe choker was then shackled to a 100’wire rope and taken through the mooringroller to the capstan where a minimumPutting divers down to rig onto a DTON using 1 1/4 Wire.May 2013 15

Taking DTONS to approved dump site in 500 feet of water.of 7 turns was taken. The 100’ pendantwas then slowly taken to power. TheDTON was then snapped or broken offthe bottom and dragged to the ship. Thisis a slow and steady process, especiallyif there is any significant swell or if theDTON is large. Once the ship settled outin the moor, slack was put back in the100’ length and a lazy pendant (for pickingwith the boom) shackled to the bitterend of the choker by the Divers. The Diverswere then recovered and the DTONlifted off the bottom. Once the lazy pendantwas near the roller, it was placedover the big hookon the boom andthe boom giventhe weight. Slackwas then put inthe wire or itwas taken offof the capstanand the DTONwas broughton deck.To release theDTON, the samechoker pendantwas used. A pelicanhook wasshackled in asthe release mechanism so no riggingwas lost during this evolution.During the drop phase, the shipwas in 600’ of water with no wayon. Ship maintained heading withthe bow thruster. All DTONS werepre-rigged prior to the ship goingto the deep water site. The DTON wassimply lifted up and over the cap, lowereddown, and hogged in to the side ofthe ship. The release wire was then madefast to a cleat on deck. Once this was inplace, the pin was pulled using a boathook and the DTON was lowered withNavy Diver taking a break after dragging a 1 1/4 wirepennant 100ft to the DTON.the boom. This made the release wiretaut and pulled the bail open on the pelicanhook. The DTON goes to the bottomand all rigging is recovered.The largest DTON brought on deckweighed more than 65,000 lbs. Twolarger DTONS, estimated to weigh 40-50tons, were also removed from the channelusing different methods. One DTONwas lifted using both capstans taking opposingpulls through each stern mooringroller. It was brought just under the keel.Then, they heaved around on the aft anchorand pulled the ship out of the channeland lowered the DTON down outsidethe channel. The second DTON that exceeded40 tons was lifted using 2 slingsand the 10” hawser and towed to sea justunder the surface of the water at the mooringroller. At the end of the operations, atotal of 25 DTONS were removed fromthe harbor and main channel.Coordination with local authoritiesand CTF 73 was crucial to the successof the mission.Article Cover Photo: Recovering a DTONafter the dive.MDSU ONE, Company 1-8: CWO2 Randy Duncan, MDV- NDCS Jon Klukas,LCPO – NDC Paul Wotus, IDC/DMT- HM1 Enrique Martino, LPO – ND1 Kenneth Bontempo,ALPO ND1 Nicholas Zaborski, ND1 Jericho Diego, ND1 Alexander Grun,BM1 Richard Racette, ND2 Mariano Lorde, ND2 Richard Ellis, ND2 Jeremy O’Dell,ND3 Jason Balavram, ND3 Brody Dorton, ND3 Matthew Stinson.CWO3 Randy Duncan is a Specialized DivingDivision Offi cer at Naval Diving andSalvage Training Center in Panama City,Florida.May 2013 16

Becoming a Submarine DiverIt was around seven o’clock whenI finally stepped off the plane atmy destination of Panama City, FL. Afterbeing stationed in the humid climateof Guam for the last year and half, thecool January weather was a welcomedchange. After passing through the terminal,I stopped at the USO to call fora ride to the Naval Diving and SalvageTraining Command (NDSTC). NDSTChouses some of the best and most experienceddivers in the world, and thosedivers would soon to teach us to becomeNavy SCUBA Divers.Most individuals are familiar withthe prestigious Navy Diver, but a lesserknown faction of military diving is theSubmarine Scuba Diver. Our purposeonboard the submarine is to serve as theCaptain’s force of trained personnel whoare qualified to provide security checks,search and recovery operations, performlight maintenance, and, if required, unfoulcritical equipment on the submarinewhile at sea. Since reporting as a nuclear-trainedMachinist’s Mate to my firstsubmarine, the USS BUFFALO (SSN715) in July of 2011, I had expressedinterest in joining Dive Division. Beingan armed forces diver was something Ihad always considered prior to joiningthe Navy, and even after selecting thenuclear program, a goal I still hoped toachieve. After discussing my ambitionswith the Diving Officer onboard BUF-FALO, LT Horodowicz, I was given achance to become indoctrinated withdiving operations by helping as a tenderduring a routine dive. Even though thedive consisted of the somewhat regulartask of attaching a chlorination unit to aseawater suction strainer and performinga security swim, it was my first exposureto the true attention to detail and professionalismrequired for safe diving operations.The diving supervisor, MMC (SS/DV) Willett, systematically went throughall aspects of this dive from gear checksto CPs, or casualty procedures. After allchecks were satisfactory and the briefcomplete, both red and green divers enteredthe water by a front-step entry offthe starboard side of the boat. Followingthem down the side, then under theboat and back around, we received fourBy: MM2 (SS/DV) Eric O’Gradneypulls on the line, signaling they werecoming up. When surfaced, they madestandard reports about their dive and proceededtopside via the extraction point.Although a routine dive with nothing outof the ordinary, one thing about theseevents stuck with me; for these men,diving was their job, and that would becomesomething I respect.About a year and a half after reportingto BUFFALO, I was granted temporaryorders to the USS FRANK CABLE(AS 40), a submarine tender also homeported in Guam, to prepare for diveschool. By virtue of being stationed ona highly-operational, forward-deployed,fast-attack submarine, I needed a way toget in shape for something as physicallydemanding as dive school. The FRANKCABLE Dive Locker had graciouslyagreed to take me in as a prospective diver,or “mud-pup”. Each day started outsidethe base gym at 6 a.m. for the morningworkout. Over the next three weeks,track, pool, and gym workouts helped improvemy physical fitness, but more importantlyhelped make me more comfortablein the water. Most days were spentat the dive sides where I would study theDive Manual and field questions fromthe divers to prepare for the importantmedical and knowledge areas of being adiver. On the rare days with no diving operations,we would perform preventativemaintenance on the gear and participatein afternoon workouts at the dive locker.Returning to BUFFALO for a majorship’s inspection, I knew I was mentallyand physically prepared for the rigorsof Navy Diving. Shortly after successfullycompleting the inspection, I finallyreceived the go-ahead to fly to PanamaCity, FL, to become the ship’s next diver.Working with the AS 40 Dive Locker wasa spectacular opportunity to observe thequiet professionals at work, and is somethingall prospective submarine SCUBAdivers should wish to take.The full-day flight from Guam toFlorida only built my excitement to startschool, and coupled with the fact it hadbeen almost two years since returning tomy home state, I could barely sit still forthe voyage. Arriving at NDSTC, I wasimpressed by a tall statue of a diver donninga traditional Mark V diving dressand the schoolhouse walls which wereadorned with memorials of the manyMedal of Honor recipients of the divingcommunity. The days at NDSTC beganmuch like they had with the FRANKCABLE dive locker; a challenging,morning exercise session always awaited.After the workout, we would participatein class work consisting of divephysics, diving medicine, physiology,and fundamentals SCUBA diving. A keycomponent to becoming a safe and effectivediver is confidence in the water. Onemust be able to count on his fellow diverin a time of need, and the swimming poolis where that confidence is built. Underthe expert supervision and experience ofTraining Team One, we couldn’t havebeen in better hands. Over the next fewweeks, NDC Newell and HM1 Weber,along with the rest of the training team,would push our class out of our comfortzone to become much more capable inthe water. After passing the rigorous seriesof tests known as “Pool Week”, wetook to sea to at last get some training inthe open water. Descending to 70 and 80feet of seawater, we explored a few shipwrecks several miles off the coast in thechilly waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Successfullycompleting these dives finalizedour qualification as Navy SCUBADivers. Following a pinning ceremonyby our instructors and the CommandingOfficer of NDSTC, Commander Egan,we left Panama City with a huge senseof accomplishment, joining the ranks ofNavy Divers past and present.I would like to extend my sinceregratitude and appreciation to NDSTC,Training Team One, the USS FRANKCABLE Dive Locker, and finally the USSBUFFALO for the opportunity to becomea diver. It is truly and honor and a privilegeto be a part of this legacy.HOO-YAH!MM2 (SS/DV) Eric M. O’Gradney is anuclear trained, submarine qualifi ed, Machinist’sMate 2nd Class from Clearwater,FL. He recently graduated from U.S.Navy Dive School and serves as one offour SCUBA Divers onboard USS BuffaloSSN715.May 2013 17

Regional Diver Locker East divers prepareto conduct an environmental survey of anaid to navigation near Sugarloaf Key,Dec. 13, 2012. During the survey, thedivers inspect the sea fl oor near the aidfor endangered coral species.USCGDeployableOperationsGroupBeneath the blue waters of theFlorida Keys, the only livingcoralbarrier reef in the continental UnitedStates stretches for miles. The reef andsurrounding waters generate more than$2.3 billion annually for the local economy,create more than 33,000 ocean jobsthroughout the Florida Keys and supportfisheries that feed millions.Across this economically importantarea, the Coast Guard maintains 450buoys, markers, and aids to navigationthat safely guide water traffic throughthe Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary,stretching 2,900 nautical milesfrom the Dry Tortugas National Parkto Fowey Rock near Miami.“The navigational aids maintainedby the Coast Guard inside theFlorida Keys National Marine Sanctuaryensure the safe flow of vessel trafficwhile preserving and protecting thearea’s natural habitats and coral,” saidPetty Officer 1st Class Ryan Nicholson,Aids to Navigation Team (ANT) KeyWest’s executive petty officer. “We seethe aids guiding boat traffic on the surface,but we have to use Divers to ensurethat they’re doing their second job,protecting and not impacting the endangeredsea habitats underwater.”The Maritime Security ResponseTeam’s Regional Diver Locker East supportsthis mission with their specializedtraining and capabilities. The MSRT,like most Coast Guard units, is multimissionand scalable. In addition to itsprimary homeland security mission, theteam deploys divers to provide aids tonavigation, search and recovery, andship’s husbandry support to Coast Guardunits throughout the country.“Our mission with ANT Key Westis to inspect the sea floor and coralgrowth around the navigational aids,”said Chief Petty Officer Stephen Doty,dive team leader. “We’re trained to lookfor endangered coral, specifically theelkhorn and staghorn coral, report ourfindings to the 7th Coast Guard District,and provide support to repair or replacedamaged aids if needed.”While conducting environmentalsurveys, one Diver records video ofthe coral and measures distances fromaid while the second Diver documentsthe status of the sea floor and coral ona waterproof clipboard. This precisemapping around each aid is essentialfor developing navigation managementstrategies that balance the protection ofthese habitats with their use.The 7th Coast Guard District takesthe report generated by the Divers andBy: PA1 Michael Andersoncoordinates with NOAA’s NationalMarine Fishery Service, the agency responsiblefor the stewardship of the nation’sliving marine resources and theirhabitats. Together, they determine if anychanges need to be made to the aid or itslocation to account for new coral growth.After the plan is developed, Divers guidepilings to the safe areas of the sea floorand recover debris from hurricanes duringaid repair and re-positioning to ensurethat the endangered coral is notharmed by surface construction.This comprehensive and coordinatedapproach to the management of the aidsand coral inside the Florida Keys NationalMarine Sanctuary demonstrates the CoastGuard’s commitment to maintainingAmerica’s maritime resources.“Maintaining the aids in a way thatprotects the Keys’ natural resources isimportant to the environment, the residentsof Florida, and the millions oftourists who visit the Key’s each year,”said Doty. “As a Coast Guardsman anda Diver, I’m proud that our efforts to begood stewards of the environment ensurethat the sanctuary’s reefs will behere for future generations.”Photo caption top left: During the survey,the divers inspect the sea fl oor near the aidfor endangered coral species. Photo captiontop right: Regional Dive Locker East diverssignal they are okay after environmentalsurvey of an aid to navigation.U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer2nd Class Michael Anderson.PA1 Michael Anderson serves as the deputyexternal affairs offi cer at the U.S. CoastGuard Deployable Operations Group. He hasdeployed more than 50 times in the last threeyears to support the Coast Guard’s deployablespecialized forces in the fi eld.May 2013 18

Crossword PuzzleU.S. Navy Diving Manual Chapter 11 - Ice and Cold Water Diving OperationsACROSS2. In an extremely cold and dry climate, fi re and _______ ventilation are everpresentdangers.4. The diver should therefore avoid _______ the second stage of the regulatorwhen diving in cold water.5. The lifeline of the standby diver should be _______the length of the diver’slifeline in order to perform a thorough circular search.8. If a regulator is allowed to free-fl ow at depth for as little as fi ve seconds,_______ may occur.9. In very cold water, the wet suit is only a _______ effective thermal protectivemeasure.11. The life of batteries in homing beacons, strobes, and communication equipmentis _______ when used in cold water.12. When ice diving is conducted, a shelter must be erected as close as possibleto the diving site to reduce the probability of _______ and equipment freezeup.14. Prior to the use of variable volume dry suits and hot water suits in cold andice-covered waters, divers must be _______ in their use.17. The use of life preservers with CO2 actuation is _______ only when divingunder ice.18. A _______ line should be hung through the hole to aid the diver in retaininghis bearing and sense of direction.19. Suited divers should be protected from _______ and associated perspiringbefore entering the water.20. Diver tending lines are _______ when diving under ice to help the diver relocatethe entrance hole.DOWN1. The fi rst and/or second stage of the single-hose regulatormay freeze in the _______ position after a fewminutes of exposure in cold water.3. Hypothermia demands ___________ treatment andprompt evacuation to a medical facility.6. A hot water system failure can be __________ for adiver in very cold water since the hot water is a lifesupport system under such conditions.7. Escape holes provide ____________ exit points andaid in searching for a lost diver.10. Where water temperature is at or below 37° F, a____________ SCUBA system shall be used.13. A _________ debt can accumulate over successivediving days, resulting in increased fatique and reducedperformance.15. Because severe chilling can result in _____________judgement, the task to be performed under watermust be clearly identifi ed, practiced, and kept simple.16. Thermal protection suits should expose only a___________________ of facial area.Crossword answers on pg.28May 2013 19

Importance of Navy Diversto the Submarine ForceVADM McCoy, CommanderNaval Sea Systems Commandsays bluntly, “It’s clear: our submarineforce cannot sail without Navy Divers.”But what does this really mean? What doNavy Divers do for the submarine forcethat makes them key players?When you mention Navy Divers andsubmarines, what comes first to most mindsis the repair work that goes on at Naval shipyards,tenders, and Intermediate MaintenanceFacilities. Around the world, aroundthe clock, Divers conduct underwater inspections,repairs, and maintenance on USNavy submarines. Without the strict attentionto detail, precise technical knowledge,and skillfully applied brute force that Diversbring to the job, submarines could notmeet the operational commitments placedon them by the Combatant Commanders.Submarines are spending more time forwarddeployed conducting National taskingand anti-terrorism operations than everbefore - they are doing more with less - andthe work conducted by Navy Divers allowsthat to continue. In 2012 Navy Divers putin more than 91,000 hours of bottom timeconducting over 4,700 dives on underwaterrepair and maintenance of submarines.Most maintenance dive lockers conductwork over a broad geographical area, notjust in their homeports. Naval SubmarineSupport Facility New London and NorfolkNSW Group 3 Divers and SEALs inside the Dry Deck Shelter during amass swimmer lock out. Photo by Combat Camera.Naval Shipyard conduct fly away jobs tothe 6th Fleet European area of operations toconduct emergent repairs to keep deployedsubmarines operational, and supporteach other with manpower when needed.Trident Refit Facility in Kings Bay Georgiaroutinely sends teams to Charleston,South Carolina and Port Everglades, Floridawhile divingcontinuesat Kings Baykeeping one legof the nucleartriad missionready. USS EM-ORY S. LANDand FRANKCABLE Diverswork allover the 5thand 7th Fleetarea of operationsfrom remotelocationslike Diego Garciato largerports like Guamand Bahrain.CW04 Paul LawsonNSW Group 3 Divers and SEALS perform final checks before launching the SDV.Photo by Combat Camera.But focusing on underwater repair onlylooks at one part of the big picture and ignoresother valuable skills that Navy Diverscontribute to the Submarine Force.All submariners go through the SubmarineEscape Trainer in Groton, Connecticutin order to familiarize themselveswith the procedures and equipment neededto escape from a sunken submarine. Utilizingthe only facility in the Navy designedfor submarine escape, Navy Divers trainthe entire submarine force in submarineescape procedures. The training includesclassroom time and a medical screeningbut centers on the facility’s 20 foot wide,88,000 gallon, 45 foot tower and the MK-10 SEIE suit, which would be worn whenescaping from a sunken submarine. Sailorsare taught to ditch, don, and ascend inthe bright orange suit from depths up to600 fsw. Navy Divers have trained 1,955students in 2012, while accumulating75,676 minutes of underwater time during1,668 diving evolutions.The Navy Diving and Salvage TrainingCenter in Panama City, FL trains submarinersin SCUBA diving, enabling the(Continued on page 22)May 2013 20

Seabee Divers Stop in Timor LesteDuring Their Pacific DeploymentBy Chief (SCW/MDV) Terence M. Juergens Underwater Construction Team TwoCAMP LENHOFF, Timor-Leste -Last month nine Seabee Diversfrom Underwater Construction Team Two(UCT TWO) arrived in Timor Leste viaUnderwater Construction Team Two’s Construction DiveDetachment Charlie Offi cer in Charge EAC Blair Mercadoprepares to launch divers to gather soil density data to supportthe future installation of a small craft berthing areafor the local maritime security patrols in Timor-leste. Seabeesfrom Underwater Construction Team 2 (UCT TWO)were in Timor Leste during a 6 month deployment acrossthe Pacifi c that will take them from Kauai to Japan tothe south Pacifi c and Naval Region Northwest.with hydrographic surveys of ManatutuBeach. Manatutu beach is the site of aU.S. amphibious landing zone with forwardmovement to various training objectives.Data fromhydrographic andside scan surveyswas used to give a3-D picture of theocean floor, identifyingany potentialhazards to navigationthat coulddamage amphibiouscrafts. Surveytechnicians coveredover 2 square kilometersof oceanfloor greatly aidingBeach Masters fromthe USS GREENBAY (LPD 20).This included detailed topographic, hydrographic,and side scan surveys alongwith the collection of soil data. All informationwill aid engineers to ensurethe Timorese are provided a sound platformthat they can operate from. Diverswere faced with a myriad of obstaclesthat come with operating in a developingcountry. Divers spent 7 days workingside-by-side with the National Policeof Timor Leste (PNTL) MaritimeSecurity Force collecting mountains ofdata, including side scan imagery of twoWWII era vessels. All information willbe recorded in a comprehensive reportfor further review by engineers.Timor Leste also has a robust militarythat includes a small contingent ofDivers that are constantly training andwilling to learn. Members of UCT TWOanswered the call to provide a day ofclassroom training that encompassedC-130, tired and jet lagged from a painful4 days of flying. They were there to performhydrographic and side-scan surveysof various sites in support of a PacificCommand Bi-Lateral exercise. Additionally,they were tasked with the evaluationof a future site for Timor Leste’s MaritimeSecurity Force Headquarters andproviding Military-to-Military trainingwith Timor Leste’s fledgling dive force.With support from NMCB 74 theyhit the ground running, offloading fivepallets of dive and geotechnical gear fortransport to Camp Lenhoff.Equipment was quickly preppedand loaded on to trucks to get startedAfter completionof Manatutusurveys, the focusturned to Dili harbor,the main shippingport in TimorLeste. Workingwith the United NationsMaritime Advisorthe plan was toprovide comprehensivedata to developa strategic plan forthe development ofa maritime securityheadquarters.Chief Shannon Johnson from Underwater Construction TeamTwo, Construction Diving Detachment Charlie explains divingphysiology to FFDTL divers. The divers from Timor Leste’sArmy and Navy are learning basic skills in diving as the fi rst intheir nations history. Seabees from Underwater ConstructionTeam Two (UCT TWO) were in Timor Leste during a 6 monthdeployment across the Pacifi c that will take them from Kauai toJapan to the south Pacifi c and Naval Region Northwest.May2013 21

asic diving theory, including physics,physiology, and recompression chamberoperation. The seven untried PNTLdivers were very attentive and gainedvery valuable information. AccordingSide scan image of a merchant vessel sunk duringWWII by Japanese Forces. Found in Dili Harbor,Timor-leste during a side scan search by UnderwaterConstruction Team Two (UCT TWO) duringa deployment stop in October, 2012. UCT 2provided side scan data in Dili Harbor to Timorleste’sMaritime Security Force while looking forhazards. Seabees from Underwater ConstructionTeam Two (UCT TWO) were in Timor Leste duringa 6 month deployment across the Pacific thatwill take them from Kauai to Japan to the southPacifi c and Naval Region Northwest.to the Officer-in-Charge ofthe Seabee Divers, ChiefBlair Mercado, “We understandthat it takes yearsof training to properly absorbthe informationwe taught,however, the mainpoint we wantedto drive home isthat diving is inherentlydangerousand no matterhow much youthink you know,you’re alwayslearning.” At theend of the day theU.S. and TimoreseDivers shared ameal and somesea stories makingit a very successfulevent.Fulfilling their missionof supporting the Fleet andMarine forces in the PACOMAOR, Seabees from UCTTWO were in Timor Lesteduring a 6 month deploymentacross the Pacific that will takethem from Kauai to Japan tothe south Pacific and NavalRegion Northwest. UCT TWOSteel Worker 1st Class Brett Sligo, from UnderwaterConstruction Team Two, provides side scansonar training to divers from Timor Leste’s MaritimeSecurity Force. Seabees from UnderwaterConstruction Team Two (UCT TWO) were in TimorLeste during a 6 month deployment across the Pacific that will take them from Kauai to Japan tothe south Pacifi c and Naval Region Northwest.provides responsive inshore and oceanunderwater construction, inspection, repairand maintenance to ocean facilitiesfor Navy, Marine Corps and Joint Forcesengaged in military operations.Photos By : Chief (SCW/MDV) Terence M.Juergens(Continued from page 20)Submarine Force to meet its minimumrequirement that each deploying SSN orSSGN have at least four SCUBA Diversonboard. Also in Panama City is the NavyExperimental Dive Unit. Long a worldwideleader in diving experimentation and productdevelopment, they also enable SpecialOperations Forces (SOF) capable submarines(SSGNs and VIRGINIA class SSNs)to enhance their warfighting capabilitywith new mixed gas UBA decompressionprocedures tailored for the submarine/SOF mission and by testing new equipmentfor use in Dry Deck Shelters andLock Out Chambers and Trunks.A lesser known relationship is thatamong submarines, SEALs, and Divers.The number of submarines built with SOFcapability is increasing. The four SSGNs ofthe Submarine Force have dual Lock OutChambers, operated by Navy Divers, andare also capable of carrying two Dry DeckShelters (DDS). The next generation SSN,the VIRGINIA class, is being built with aLock Out Trunk (LOT), an organic lockout/lock-incapability for large numbersof SEALs and Divers, as well as being capableof carrying a single DDS. These systemsrequire Navy Divers to operate themand SEALs, Divers, and submarines spendmany months working together before deploymentto hone their skills and to developa unified team. We’ve all been part ofgreat dives; but diving from a submerged,moving submarine, at night, in SCUBA, isa unique experience that Navy Divers willbe experiencing more of in the future. Unmannedunderwater vehicles (UUVs) arean area of focus for the Submarine Forceas well and the sub/SOF team of NavyDivers, SEALs, and submarines continueto develop the tactics, techniques, andprocedures for this capability. At SubmarineSquadron ONE and SIXTEEN, NavyDivers provide training and certificationoversight for the SOF capable submarines,helping to ensure that they deploy to theCombatant Commander fully trained andcertified in sub/SOF operations.Whether it’s maintenance, escapetraining, SCUBA diver training, experimentation,or sub/SOF operations, NavyDivers are a valuable asset to the submarineforce. It’s clear: our submarine forcecannot sail without Navy Divers.CW04 Paul Lawson is the Diving Officerfor Submarine Force, Atlantic Fleet.May 2013 22

Command In The SpotlightSouthwest RegionalMaintenance CenterDiversTO PROVIDE SUPERIOR SHIP MAINTENANCE, MODERNIZATION, ANDTECHNICAL SUPPORT TO SHIPS IN THE PACIFIC FLEET,WHO STAND READY TO FIGHT AND WIN.These words summarize the missionand capabilities of SouthwestRegional Maintenance Center(SWRMC), San Diego, California. Thecharge of completing all underwater aspectsof this mission belongs to the dedicatedgroup of Sailors and Civilians thatcomprise Waterfront Operations DivingDivision (Shop Code 360). Scatteredthroughout the San Diego Metro Area,and operating onboard Naval Bases SanDiego, Point Loma, and Coronado, you’llfind SWRMC’s five underwater repairteams performing any one of a number oftasks related to the emergent and plannedwaterborne maintenance of 49 surfacecombatants, two NIMITZ class aircraftcarriers, and six LOS ANGELES classattack submarines. Looking closer, you’lldiscover the production team supportingcast of one craft maintenance team, anautonomous planning office, hyperbaricsshop, husbandry support warehouse,SWRMC Divers’ BRAVO Team performs the fi rstCG waterborne stave bearing repair in 13 years.medical team, supply managers, and staffthat make the activity come to life everyday. Contained in this article, you’ll finddescriptions of performance during the executionof a long list of high profile, firstever,and emergency response missionsperformed locally and throughout the PacificFleet Area of Operations.By: Southwest RMC DiversMCM HEAVY LIFT &EX-GUARDIAN RESPONSETasked by Naval Sea System Command(NAVSEA), and responding to initiativespassed down from the Chief ofNaval Operations (CNO), SWRMC Diversplanned and rapidly deployed a 14-man team equipped with self-containedand surface supplied diving capabilitiesto the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeleswhere they integrated with locallaw enforcement activities, NAVSEA’sHeavy Lift Team, contractors, and portdivers in support of the Navy’s first-everquadruple heavy lift operation. Loggingover 924 minutes of incident-free bottomtime, the team performed flawlesslyduring their completion of surveys ofthe anchorages, piers, and approaches,inspections of the MCM’s underwaterhulls, and pre-lift alignment checks thatprovided for the flawless execution ofthe mission and ultimately resulted inthe rapid deployment of four warshipsto the United States Central Command(CENTCOM) area of operations insupport of operations critical to the defenseand war fighting capability of theUnited States of America.Almost one year later, and during aninstance unrelated to the ships that weretransported overseas during the quadrupleheavy lift, SWRMC Divers once againreceived Flag level tasking and surge deployedseven Sailors on less than twelvehours notice to the Philippine Islandsand Sulu Sea in response to the strandingof USS GUARDIAN. Capitalizingon their technical expertise and uniqueproficiencies in ship repair, SWRMCresponders integrated with the SeventhFleet Salvage Officer, representativesfrom NAVSEA 00C, contractors, and theMobile Diving and Salvage Companyembarked aboard USNS SALVOR tostabilize and survey the stranded vessel.They off-loaded the ship and evacuatedall pressurized systems to minimize environmentalimpact while facilitating thesalvage assessments, stabilizations, andbracing efforts that would enable the safedismantling and removal of the strandedvessel. Additionally, the success of thishigh profile mission proofed conceptsand served as the first operational employmentof Commander, Navy RegionalMaintenance Center (CNRMC) BattleDamage Repair(BDR) capability.FROM ROUTINE TO FIRST-EVER,PERSONIFYING EXCELLENCEUNDER PRESSURE.Increasing productivity by 51% overthe past 18 months, SWRMC Divers haveMay 2013 23

WHAT’S A BDR?Referencing the requirements issuedin the latest revision of COMUS-FLTFORCOM/COMPACFLTINST4740.1K, Salvage, Recovery, Towingand Off Shore Oil Spill Response Operations,CNRMC issued doctrine directingSWRMC to establish and maintaina Battle Damage Repair (BDR) DiveTeam capable of conducting emergentrepairs and salvage/diving force augmentation.In response to the CNRMCdirective, SWRMC Divers workedclosely with NAVSEA 00C and the PacificFleet Diving and Salvage Officerto develop the concept of operations,construct, and operational footprint.Analysis found that the addition of BDRsystems to the ESSM pool and developmentof surgecapabilities atthe commandlevel would adequatelyprovidefor the newrequirement.Transformingtheory to practice,SWRMCspearheaded theallocation ofcountless hoursin planning andover one millionGroup PT and team building throughout San Diego Countytaken the lead logging more bottom timethan any other non-training diving activityin the U.S. Navy during the first quarter.Their completion of one CPP repair, fourshaft covering repairs, one submarinepropeller replacement, two CVN incrementalavailabilities, the first-ever CVNKellogg Insulation System installation inthe Southwest Region, the first-ever LCSgraving dock entry, and the first CG stavebearing replacement in 13 years in additionto hundreds of cofferdam installationsand other routine repairs supportedFleet readiness while reducing contracteddiving services (except for hull cleaning)in Navy Region Southwest.HYPERBARIC HEALINGFollowing the recent ten year overhaulof their RCF-6500, SWRMC DiversMedical Team worked closely with NavalMedical Center San Diego (NMCSD),local Undersea Medical Officers (UMO),and the Bureau of Medicine andSurgery (BUMED) to spearhead the introductionof a Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO)therapy program that resulted in the treatment,care, and healing of three combatwounded Sailor and Marines and one militarydependent. In addition to the HBOs,SWRMC Divers were proud to performa series of candidate pressure tests thatproved critical to the success of a pilotprogram aimed at combat rehabilitationthrough the employment of SCUBAtraining and recreational diving.structive testing capability. Theircertification and proficiency invisual technical, magnetic particle,and dry habitat dye penetrantexamination methods providemission essential capabilitieswhile saving vital repair dollarsthat would otherwise be spenton diving contracts. The value ofmaintaining these programs wasevident as SWRMC Divers augmentedPearl Harbor and PugetSound Naval Shipyard divers duringthe evaluation of the forward ellipticalbulkhead onboard USS HAWAII andpropeller shafting onboard USS NIMI-TZ. In addition to NDT, Southwest RMCalso maintains fully capable RemoteOperated Vehicle and non-certified wetwelding programs in support of emergentinspection, evaluation, and repair.A member of the integrated JRMC/SWRMC Dive Teamconducts underwater drilling onboard USS DENVER.UNIQUE CAPABILITIES AND IN-TEROPERABILITYSWRMC Divers are proud to maintainthe Navy’s only underwater nondedollarsin program funding toward thedevelopment of the BDR Life Support,expeditionary camp, shop van, patchingvan, and tool kit systems that arenow being maintained in an RFI statusat the ESSM facility at Naval WeaponsStation Yorktown, Cheatham Annex.At the command level, they have developeda system of screening, training,and preparing all qualified divers for immediatesurge deployment to any possiblerepair site the world over.An assignment alongside the over80 Sailors and Civilian employees ofSWRMC Diving Division offers greatbenefits to the careers of seasonedNavy Divers and newly qualified SecondClass Divers. Their expansive compounds,modern facilities, seven certifiedlife support systems, unique capabilities,and production leverage coupledwith all the benefits of calling sunnySouthern California home and varietyof exciting duty assignments in the localarea make the title SWRMC DIVERa must have in the professional resumeof any DEEP SEA DIVER.May 2013 24

Navy EOD and DiversPromote Science and Technology with Local StudentsSailors from Explosive OrdnanceDisposal Mobile UnitSix (EODMU SIX) and Mobile Divingand Salvage Unit Two (MDSU TWO)participated in the Portsmouth PublicSchools’ Science, Technology, Engineering,and Mathematics (STEM) day heldat Woodrow Wilson High School inPortsmouth, VA on March 23.Explosive Ordnance DisposalTechnician 3rd Class John Luddenfrom EODMU SIX and Navy Diver1st Class Frank Horn from MDSUTWO encouraged students and teachersto pursue an interest in the scienceand technology fields and provided ahands-on experience with their equipmentto demonstrate real-world applicationsof STEM fields.“It’s important for the Navy toshow everyone what we are all about,it helps make people aware of us andthey learn a little about our communityand what we do,” said Horn. “I likegetting the chance to show our appreciationby taking the time to show themwho we are.”In addition to the MK II Talon robotand the PackBot transportable roboticsystem, Navy EOD techniciansand Navy Divers also brought nightvision goggles and Navy dive equipmentincluding the SEABOTIX underwaterreconnaissance vehicle duringthis year’s demonstration.STEM education offers the studentsand teachers of PortsmouthPublic Schools opportunities to applyVirginia’s Standards of Learning forScience and Mathematics using currenttechnologies, often with an engineeringfocus.“The STEM Pathways Programbegins in grade 4 and continues throughour high school courses,” said LauraNelson, director of science educationfor Portsmouth Public Schools. “Thecoursework was developed to reflectthe workforce in these areas: alliedhealth and biotechnology, environmentalscience, and modeling and simulationwith geographical informationsystems and robotics.”U.S. Navy Story By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy SavareseWhile the demand for science andtechnology jobs is increasing, the supplyof qualified candidates is not. Programslike STEM day aim to stimulate interestin science and technology jobs which isvital to American competitiveness in anincreasingly knowledge-based economy.Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 3rd ClassDennis Blair, left, shows a student how to usethe remote control and camera headpiece for aPackBot transportable robotic system.Explosive Ordnance Disposalman 3rd Class DennisBlair, left, shows a student how to use the remotecontrol for a PackBot transportable robotic system.Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposalman MikeGreenwood, left, explains the features of a Pack-Bot transportable robotic system.“I believe that Portsmouth PublicSchools realizes this disparity and for thelast 10 plus years has worked to makeour motto, ‘Dreams plus Action = Reality’,a true reality for our students,” saidNelson. “We are sending young men andwomen into the world who are able tothink critically and problem solve, arecreative, know how to collaborate, andcan communicate to a variety of stakeholders.”Navy Sailors provided PortsmouthPublic Schools expertise in theSTEM fields bringing practical examplesfor many teachers. However, it’sthe children who benefited most, observingthat STEM fields are not justtheories and concepts but have practicaluses.“I am thankful to have the U.S.Navy involved,” said Nelson.“It bringsa sense of reality to the STEM PathwaysProgram.”MDSU TWO is an expeditionarymobile diving unit homeported at JointExpeditionary Base, Little Creek-Ft.Story in Virginia Beach, Va. and hassuccessfully conducted salvage operationsto support TWA Flight 800, SwissAir Flight 111, the space shuttles Challengerand Columbia, and the CivilWar ironclad USS MONITOR.EODMU SIX provides operationalexplosive ordnance disposal capabilityfor the location, identification,rendering safe, recovery, field evaluationand disposal of all explosive ordnance,including chemical and nuclearweapons.U.S. Navy EOD is the world’spremier combat force for counteringexplosive hazards and conducting expeditionarydiving and salvage.For more news from MDSUTWO and EODMU SIX visitwww.navy.mil/local/eod2/.Mass Communication Specialist 3rd ClassRandy Savarese is currently supportingExplosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EO-DGRU) 2.U.S. Navy photos by Mass CommunicationSpecialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese/Released.May 2013 25

Space CowboysBy: CWO3 Matt RotanThe National Aeronautics andSpace Administration (NASA)is moving full-speed ahead to exploredeep space. Exploration Flight Test 1(EFT-1) will be the first test of Orion,America’s next vehicle that will carryhumans to new destinations in the solarsystem. During the unmanned flighttest, the capsule will travel farther thanany human-rated vehicle has in over 40years, and return to Earth at speeds ofover 20,000 miles per hour. This is onesmall step for the United States Navyand one giant leap for NASA.The United States Strategic Command(STRATCOM) requested assistancefrom the Navy in developing arecovery program for the Orion vehiclein November of 2012. They wantedto update the capsule recovery methodsdeveloped for the Apollo programfirst used in 1961. Navy Divers wereidentified by STRATCOM staff as thepersonnel with The Right Stuff to recoverthe NASA capsule and associatedflight hardware from the Pacific Ocean.Master Diver Scott Valentine, andChief Warrant Officer Matt Rotan fromExplosive Ordnance Disposal GroupONE (EODGRU ONE) provided the divingand salvage expertise needed to builda comprehensive training course. Thecourse teaches Navy Divers assigned toMobile Diving and Salvage companieshow to safely recover NASA personneland equipment from the sea. The curriculumhas been in development forfive months at NASA’s Sonny CarterTraining Facility in Houston, Texas. Thistraining site is also known as the NeutralBuoyancy Laboratory. It is the world’slargest swimming pool holding 6.2 milliongallons of water and is 40 feetdeep. The MDS companies will spend24 training hours at the facility learningto safely approach, capture, and recoverthe NASA space capsule and associatedflight hardware from the oceaninto a U.S. Navy amphibious ship. Thepool is also used by astronauts to practicespacewalks by working in simulatedweightless conditions under water.The EFT-1 mission is scheduled for2014. The joint service efforts made betweenUSSTRATCOM, USN, and NASAhave significantly expanded the possibilitiesfor human spaceflight “to boldlygo where no one has gone before.” NavyDivers have been in service since the late1800’s. Over the past fifteen years, theybegan to integrate into the Explosive OrdnanceDisposal Community. They specializein deep hard hat diving, and harborclearance operations in expeditionarycombat environments. EODGRU ONE isthe echelon IV west coast command responsiblefor eight EOD and Mobile Divingand Salvage commands.Photo caption: Docking in the NeutralBuoyancy LabCWO3 Matt “Rhodie” Rotan is a formerMaster Chief, Master Diver, and has beenserving the Navy diving community for over24 years. He is stationed as the Future Plansand Command Diving Offi cer for ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal Group ONE.May 2013 26

PressurizedSubmarine EscapeTraining FacilityNaval Submarine SchoolGroton, CTBy: Master Diver Rob EvansImagine being trapped in a cold,dark space for two days. Yourfood and water supplies are depleted andyour oxygen levels have just dropped to17%. CO2 levels are on the rise. Yourdisabled submarine rests at a depth of300’ and the nearest rescue assets are24 hours away. What do you do? Thisis the type of scenario the instructors atthe Pressurized Submarine Escape Training(PSET) Facility, Naval SubmarineSchool prepare their students for.From the beginning of SubmarineEscape and Rescue, Navy Divers haveanswered the call. The unique historyof US Navy submarine escape began in1929 when LT “Swede” Momsen developedthe “Momsen Lung” the first submarineescape appliance 1. To train inthis escape method the first submarineescape tower was opened at the NavalSubmarine Base New London, CT in1930. During its lifetime the originaltower was the site of over 300,000 ascents.It was also here that CAPT GeorgeF. Bond MC, USN recruited CWO RobertBarth to conduct the Genesis andSEALAB projects 2,3,4. Another significanthistorical event happened in1959 onboard the USS ARCHERFISH,where CAPT Bond made the first buoyantascent from 302’2,3,4. There is muchmore history in regard to US submarineescape to share but I will save thatfor another Faceplate article.In November of 2009 the 17.1 milliondollar modern submarine escapesimulator and hyperbaric complex formallyopened, teaching the first class ofstudents in submarine escape. The facilityhouses a 40’ high by 20’ wide watertower, three lock out trunks, surfacesupplied dive system, and two installedrecompression chambers. The PSET Facilityruns four courses a week that incorporateinstructor-based, computer-based,and lab-based teaching techniques. Instructorslike NETC Junior Instructor ofthe Year ND2 (DSW) Jason Fenn providesubmariners with skills necessary foremergency situations. Fenn says sailorsnot only learn “lifesaving techniques,”but as an instructor, he is uniquely positioned“to create a foundation for sailorsupon which they will build their entirecareers.” The course teaches the studentsto becomefamiliar withand safelyutilize SubmarineEscapeandImmersionEquipment(SEIE). TheSEIE consistsof a SubmarineEscapeSuit MK-10/MK-11 and aone man liferaft used tosurvive onthe surface.Dr. George F. Bond (left) aftermaking the historic 302’ buoyantascent.WWII Era sailor with the“Momsen Lung”.The MK-10/MK-11 suit has been provento make an escape from 600’, provides75 lbs of positive buoyancy and travelat 600 feet per minute. A Navy Divermay wonder “what about decompressionsickness?” or “what about the riskof AGE with such a rapid ascent?” Therapid pressurization of the trunk limitsthe time of on-gassing, allowing anescapee to come directly to the surfacewithout decompressing. It takes approximately30 seconds to pressurizean SSN 688 class submarineLogistic Escape Trunk (LET)to 600’. The concern for AGEis mitigated by the studentsundergoing a strict medicalscreening process and they areMay 2013 27

Momsen Hall, Naval Submarine BaseNew London, CT.Taken by: Jason Saizrepeatedly taught the golden rule of submarineescape “NEVER EVER HOLDYOUR BREATH” 5, 6. From the firstclass in 2009 to February of 2013, thePSET facility has trained over 7,000first-accession and fleet-level studentswith no significant incidents.ND3 (DSW) LaFrance (left)and ND3 (DSW) Caruana(right) demonstrating theMK-11 SEIE.Taken by: Jason SaizThe PSET Facilities staff includesa Diving Warrant Officer, two DivingMedical Officers, a Master Diver, 25Navy Divers, 5 Hospital Corpsman, andtwo civilian personnel. Due to high risk,it takes 16 divers on the watch bill toconduct pressurized training, but ND3(DSW) Baker says that “keeping studentssafe in our underwater environment” isthe most satisfying part of his job. In thefirst ascent evolution, the 15’ ripped hoodexhalation drill, a student is pulled intothe water column from the 15’ lock andreleased to the surface while wearing atraining life jacket with nothing over hisface. During the evolution the instruc-tors are all on breath holds. They’vetrained extensively on breath holddiving techniques through a locallygenerated qualification program 6.One requirement of the qualificationprocess is the ability to recovera casualty from 40’ on a breath holddive. To see firsthand what happensat the PSET Facility, click on the linkfor a short video: http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/slc/nss/HighRisk-TrainingA.aspx?ID=2.If you are up for orders andare looking for a challenge in aspecialized diving field, I highlyrecommend coming to Naval SubmarineSchool.Instructorswho transferto other commandstakewith them MasterTrainingSpecialist andDiving SalvageWarfare qualifications.Theyleave with extensivehyperbaricchamberexperience,and many tookcourses to earncollege credits.The Northeastoffers a lot of other opportunities, withthe base located only an hour away fromthe nearest ski resort. It is also directlybetween Boston and New York, twohours to each. The local public schoolsystem is one of the best in the country.And here is where you can hear RedDiver’s bottom report say, “water temperature88˚F, no current, and unlimitedvisibility” year round. Hoo Yah!References:1. Peter Maas. (1999). The TerribleHours. New York, NY: Harper Collins.2. Helen A. Siiteri. (Ed). (1993). PapaTopside The Sealab Chronicles ofCapt. George F. Bond. Annapolis,Maryland: Naval Institute Press.3. Murray, J. (2005). “Papa Topside”Dr. George F. Bond, MC, USN.Faceplate, 9 (1) 8-9.4. Bladh, J. & Ruden, P. (2005) OneDivers Most Excellent Adventure.ND2 (DSW) Tomolak (above) and ND2(DSW) Hill (below) receive a studentfrom the Logistic Escape Trunk (LET)during a simulated submarine escape.Taken by: Jason SaizPSET instructors on a breath hold diverelease a student from the 15’ lock.Taken by: LT Seth O’DonnellNDCS (DSW/EXW/SW/MDV) Robert Evansis currently serving at Naval SubmarineSchool Groton, CT .Crossword PuzzleAnswersACROSS:2. inadequate4. purging5. twice8. freeze-up9. marginally11. shortened12. frostbite14. trained17. prohibited18. weighted19. overheating20. mandatoryFaceplate, 9 (1)10-11.5. NAVMED P-117Manual of theMedical Department.Article 15-106, sub-section5. Standardsfor PressurizedSubmarine EscapeTraining.6. Naval SubmarineSchool Instruction1500.14L (2011).High Risk OperatingProceduresProgram Manual.Cover Photo: PSET Instructor preparing fora student escape. Taken by: Jason Saiz.DOWN:1. free-flow3. immediate6. catastrophic7. alternative10. redundant13. thermal15. impaired16. minimumMay 2013 28

As my tenure in the Navy draws to an end, mixed emotions course through my veins. For the past 30 years I’ve thanked Godeach and every day for giving me not only the opportunity to serve my country, but also, affording me the privilege to workwith some of the finest people on the planet.Being a Navy Diver for me has not been job, but a passion; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Throughout my career I havealways strived to improve our community and lay a solid foundation for those Divers who would come after me. I’ve always felt it wasmy duty to uphold the high standards that were passed down by pioneers of our community and hopefully future Divers will realizepositive results from those endeavors.Reflecting back on my career, there were actions, methods, and decisions that I made that producedoutstanding results and some that didn’t fare so well. Remember, there is no fool proof method to ensurethat in the performance of our duties that we are not going to stumble along the way. As Captain Polaninsays “We’re expected to lead, make decisions, and make mistakes.” All we can do is give it our best eachand every day and ensure that we learn from our mistakes so as to not repeat them. The following areseveral things that have been the core and the guiding principles of my career.1. “By the Book” – Execute your jobs, duties, and tasks by the book. Never deviate from establishedprocedures or requirements. For those of you who have worked with me at some point in your careers,you have experienced this first hand. The only time that I feel a variation to this rule is acceptable, isin a life or death situation and no other options exist. It is not up to us to decide what rules/procedureswe want to follow or when we want to follow them. This not only keeps us safe, it also provides clearguidance in your dive lockers. If deviation from written protocol is allowed by leadership it will becomeinfectious and run rampant throughout your dive locker and that is not the example we want to set.2. “Always Do the Right Thing” – This kind a goes along with “By the Book”, but it also coversthose situations that don’t have written directive. To borrow another of Captain Polanin’ s sayingsNDCM(MDV) Eric (Dean)Holliday“There are things we can do, but should we?” This is right on the money. If you are ever getting readyto perform an action and you have a doubt as to whether you should or not, then STOP! Reassess andensure that the action upholds the core values of the Navy and is in the best interest of your troops.3. “Always be Honest” – Regardless of the outcome, always tell the truth. When all else is gone, all we have left is our word. It iswhat defines our inner character and should be held sacred. Our reliance on each other’s word is the catalyst that bonds us and hasforged an environment of trust throughout our community.4. “Always be Loyal” – Always support your subordinates, peers, and superiors. You may not agree with everyone all the time, butwho does? What makes our community so strong, is knowing that we will always be there for each other and fully support theChain of Command.5. “Treat People the Way They Want to be Treated” – I went through my career and tried to treat people the way that I wanted tobe treated. The hard reality is that not everyone wants to be treated like I want to be treated. I like for a person to come at mehead-on and to the point, but this is not the case for others. It took me awhile to develop this skill, but once mastered, it is agreat leadership trait.6. “Don’t Take it Personal” – While we have the greatest job on the planet, it is just that, a job. The decision we make or actionswe take should be executed objectively. While very hard to do, try to never make a decision that is driven purely by emotions.While I consider my career to have been extremely successful, I did not do it alone. I’ve had the pleasure to work for severalgreat people such as Capt. Tokarick and Capt. Polanin to name a few, but the person that believed in me and gave me the opportunitythat set my career in motion is Capt. Gunzel.As a young Lieutenant on the island of Guam in 1995, Capt. Gunzel sent me TAD to MDV evaluations. He knew that if I wasunsuccessful that the command would be left without an MDV for an extended period of time, but he took the chance and for thatI’m grateful.As my tenure as a Navy Diver is coming to an end, I deliberate as to what defined my career. I realized that it wasn’t the jobs that Iaccomplished throughout the years or the lives that I saved in the recompression chamber, it was something much more. Helping otherssurpass my achievements have been the most rewarding moments of my career. I was fortunate enough to work with Master Diver Defliceand Master Diver Howard at NDSTC when they were both young Chiefs. Watching them develop, make MDV and continue on to dogreat things has to be my greatest reward. The success of others has always been my top priority and the realization oftheir success has defined my career.It has been an honor and privilege to serve in the World’s finest Navy and I would like to thank all of you forletting me be a part of your community. Dive Safe!May 2013 29

There are many things I likeabout this job. To start with,the top-notch professionals I get to interactwith daily. Whether it is one ofthe many active duty and retired MasterDivers who work in our office, theengineers and doctors who “what if”things beyond my comprehension, orthe assorted military Divers who callme to clarify portions of the Dive Manual;they are all so talented and I feelprivileged to be in their presence. Thisleads to the next thing that is so greatabout my job; I learn something newevery day because of these people.When surrounded by brilliant people,you can’t help but learn something.But, perhaps the best thing about thisjob is the opportunity to serve militaryDivers. The men and womenwho call themselves military Diversin the world’s premiere fightingforce are the best of the best. I amprivileged to serve them!With all good things there arechallenges and sometimes heartbreak.Two months ago, when I got the wordthat two Divers had perished on atraining dive, I immediately thought“What could I have done to preventthose deaths?” My heart goes out totheir friends and families. Petty OfficerJames Reyher and Petty OfficerRyan Harris were lost but will neverbe forgotten. What Divers do is dangerouswork but we never expect tolose someone, much less two. I didnot personally know these two diversbut I feel like I did. Our professionis a close-knit brotherhood andwhen one hurts we all hurt. As a divingcommunity, we will not rest until weknow and address all the factors thatplayed a part in their deaths.As I mentioned in the last issueof Faceplate, my job as SupDive isclear. I am tasked with setting divingpolicy and ensuring that divers havethe right equipment and the correctdiving procedures to safely accomplishtheir mission. We in 00C take this veryseriously and that is why we “what if”scenarios beyond comprehension. Wewould be doing our military Diversa disservice if we didn’t! Can it slowdown the process? Yes, but that is whatwe are paid to do. I also have to takeinto consideration whether any of ouractions or policies constrain the commandersin the field. Our #1 goal is thesafety of our Divers and to ensure wedo not hamstring operations!Soon after checking into 00C, Iheard that many of our Diving Requirementswere not documented andfunding could soon dry up. Recently,I briefed a group of Master Diverson the Capabilities Based Assessment(CBA) portion of the Joint CapabilitiesIntegration Development System(JCIDS) process that was startingsoon for Salvage and Diving. I wasasked by several to explain explicitlyhow to document those requirements.A week later I sent out an emailwith tips on how to write a requirementto route through their chains ofcommand. To summarize: Well writtenrequirements need to be measurable,attainable, necessary, unambiguous,orderly, organized, and resultsoriented.1. Spell out the problem (i.e. capabilitygap) “Why”• Use common sense• Use words that are directive innature and write in the activevoice• Keep sentences and paragraphsshort with proper grammar,spelling, and punctuation2. What is needed to fill the gap“What”• Avoid writing requirements thatare unrealistic• Write testable requirements• Use tolerances and ranges tohelp the designers• Focus on “What” and avoid“How”• Never use “and/or” in a requirementstatement• Derive requirements from theInitial Capabilities Document(ICD)3. POC and contact informationFurthermore, I encouraged theseMDVs to participate as much as possiblein the upcoming CBA. At the end ofMarch we conducted the second phaseof the CBA in which we identified thegaps in our capabilities for Salvage andDiving. We had great participation fromDivers across all communities withinthe Navy. This CBA will be completethis summer with the final phase focusingon the solutions to the capabilitygaps. The ICD will be produced fromthe information discovered in the CBA.Keep charging and doing what youdo best! I can’t get you what you needto complete the mission unless you tellme. It’s the ND3’s, Dive Sups, andMDV’s who know what is needed. Iwish I could be out and about more butdue to budget restrictions our travel islimited and much like the rest of you,we are required to do more with less.Thank you for the privilege to serve you!May 2013 30

Navy Diver 2 nd Class (DSW) Jason FennNamed NETC’s Junior Enlisted Instructor of the YearPENSACOLA, Fla. – Naval Educationand Training Command(NETC) announced its 2012 MilitaryInstructors of the Year (IOY) during aceremony at the National Naval AviationMuseum on board Naval Air StationPensacola on February 28, 2013. TheNETC Military Instructor of the Yearaward program recognizes Navy andMarine Corps instructors and facilitatorswho exemplify personal excellenceand display outstanding instructional andleadership performance. The programhighlights the significant contributionsof individuals throughout the Naval Educationand Training enterprise who havebeen nominated by their command basedon their sustained superior performanceover the course of the past year.Rear Admiral Don Quinn, Commander,Naval Education and TrainingCommand congratulated and presentedeach winner with a Navy-Marine CorpsCommendation Medal and a plaque.“The skills and fighting spirit of ourpeople form the foundation of our combatreadiness,” Quinn said. “In trainingthe Sailors of the world’s greatestmaritime force, you produce warfightersthat possess both the technical andleadership skills that enable our Fleetto succeed. And you prepare them for,much more than simple day-to-day operations.You prepare them for life and,if necessary, to win in combat. Thetraining you provide can often meanthe difference between life and death.”The Junior Enlisted Instructor of theYear is Navy Diver 2nd Class (DSW)Jason Fenn from Atlanta, Georgia. Thefour-year veteran has been assigned toSubmarine Learning Center’s NavalSubmarine School, Groton, Connecticutteaching Submarine Escape Rescue andSurvivability. ND2 Fenn joined the Navyon June 24, 2009 and went on to graduateDive School Class 10-20-2C on April 1,2010. He currently has orders to MobileDiving and Salvage Unit One, Hawaiiand is expected to continue to do greatthings as a Navy Diver. Away from workhe has many interests including astronomy,physics, computers, nutrition, andhistory. Honored by his selection, Fenncredits his selection to his passion to betterhimself and extend his knowledge tostudents. “Top notch Sailors need to becomeinstructors, because well-trainedmilitary professionals need to pass ontheir knowledge. A large percentage ofstudents learn by imitation, so it’s paramountfor an instructor to lead by examplein everything from the way he or shedresses to the way they carry themselveswhile they are off duty. First rate Sailorswalk with integrity in everything they doand lead by example.” Fenn says it’s veryrewarding being a leader and mentor andhe takes great pride knowing that studentsleave the course with a lifesavingskill they didn’t have before.Petty Officer Fenn shares thehonor of NETC Instructor of the Yearwith the following personnel:Diving AdvisoriesBy: NDC Jason CountsOfficer Instructor of the Year - LTRiley Smith, assigned to the Center forSeabees and Facilities Engineering’sNaval Civil Engineer Corps OfficerSchool (CECOS), Port Hueneme, California.Senior Enlisted Instructor of theYear - Chief Machinist’s Mate (SW/AW)Joshua Meyer, assigned to Surface WarfareOfficer School Learning Site, GreatLakes, Illinois.Mid-Grade Enlisted Instructor of theYear honors - Electronics Technician 1stClass (SW/AW) Gerardo Ceballos assignedto the Center for Surface CombatSystems’ Detachment West, San Diego.NDC (DSW/EXW) Jason Counts currently serves asa Submarine Escape Instructor Naval SubmarineSchool Groton, CT.13 - 07 PERSONNEL QUALIFIED TO OVERHAUL CONSHELF XIV REGULATORS13 - 06 SCUBA REGULATORS13 - 05 REMOVAL OF MARES ABYSS 22 NAVY SCUBA REGULATOR FROM COLD WATER SERVICE13 - 04 AQUALUNG BUOYANCY COMPENSATOR (BC) DEVICES13 - 03 PROMULGATION OF MILPERSMAN 1220-41013 - 02 SUSPEND USE OF SODASORB LOTS13 - 01 GUIDANCE FOR DIVING INTERSPIRO DIVATOR MK II DP1-2 IN AN ENCLOSED SPACEFor more information on effective diving advisories, go to https://secure.supsalv.org/home.aspMay 2013 31