U.S. Navy Divers Display Exceptional Skills in High-Stakes Afloat Salvage Missions

The U.S. Navy recently concluded Afloat Salvage Exercise 24-2 in Philadelphia, PA, aimed at testing and enhancing the skills of Navy Divers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians. Previously known as the Expeditionary Battle Damage Response Exercise, this exercise focused on preparing personnel for real-world combat scenarios involving shipboard damage control and salvage operations.

Cmdr. Garrett Pankow, commanding officer of MDSU 2, emphasized the importance of these exercises for maintaining readiness. “Our training aboard NAVSEA 21 INACT ships provided EOD Group 2 forces a controlled environment to simulate and address shipboard damage and hazards,” Pankow stated. This marks the third iteration of such training in Philadelphia, with continued improvements in warfighting readiness.

The exercise successfully met various objectives, including damage assessment, anti-terrorism dives, and repair procedures on inert ordnance. Simulated scenarios allowed divers to patch and dewater flooded sections, enhancing their response capabilities.

Historical incidents like the 1987 attack on USS Stark and the 2000 bombing of USS Cole underscore the importance of such readiness. Navy Divers from MDSU 2 were notably deployed to the scene in 2000, demonstrating the crucial role of prompt damage control efforts in maritime crises.

Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Carroll emphasized hands-on training for current sailors. “Creating actual damage scenarios enables our sailors to hone their skills in afloat salvage techniques,” he explained. This practical approach helps expand capabilities crucial for supporting the fleet during operations.

The exercise also served as an integration platform, unifying Navy EOD units and Navy Diver teams. Lt. Brent Lawson of EODMU 6 highlighted the collaborative advantage, stating, “Working together enhances our ability to tackle unforeseen challenges during operations.”

This joint training underscores the Navy’s commitment to maintaining operational readiness in combative environments. The aim is to fortify the U.S. Navy and its allies’ capabilities to manage ship casualties efficiently.

For further insights and images from Afloat Salvage Exercise 24-2, visit Arizonanews.org for comprehensive coverage and updates on the Navy’s initiatives.