Navy diver

Navy diver refers to the specialized designation of sailors within the United States Navy who are trained in underwater diving and salvage. Navy divers are part of the Navy's Special Operations community and are involved in a variety of missions, including salvage, recovery, and underwater construction.

Training

Navy diver training is conducted at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, Florida. The training is physically and mentally demanding, and only a small percentage of those who begin the training program successfully complete it. The training includes scuba diving, surface-supplied diving, underwater cutting and welding, hydraulic tool operation, and deep-sea diving.

Roles and Responsibilities

Navy divers are involved in a wide range of tasks, including underwater salvage, repair, and demolition, submarine rescue, and support to SEAL teams. They may also be involved in conducting underwater surveys, as well as the recovery of downed aircraft and sunken vessels.

Equipment

Navy divers use a variety of equipment, including scuba gear, surface-supplied diving equipment, and deep-sea diving suits. They also use a variety of tools, such as underwater cutting torches and hydraulic power tools.

History

The history of the Navy diver designation dates back to the early 20th century, with the establishment of the Navy's first diving school in 1915. Since then, Navy divers have played a crucial role in numerous military operations and have been involved in several notable salvage operations, including the recovery of the USS Thresher (SSN-593) and the USS Scorpion (SSN-589).

See Also

• United States Navy SEALs
• Underwater Demolition Team
• Combatant Diver Qualification Course