Special Warfare Diving and Salvage

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Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWDS) is a specialized unit within the United States Navy that focuses on underwater operations, including combat diving, salvage operations, and underwater demolition. The unit is part of the Naval Special Warfare Command and works closely with other special operations forces.

History

The origins of Special Warfare Diving and Salvage can be traced back to the Underwater Demolition Teams (UDTs) of World War II. These teams were responsible for clearing obstacles and conducting reconnaissance missions in preparation for amphibious landings. Over time, the role of these teams expanded to include a variety of underwater tasks, leading to the formation of specialized units like SWDS.

Training

SWDS personnel undergo rigorous training to prepare for their diverse mission set. This includes:

• Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training
• Diving and Salvage Training Center (DSTC)
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training
• Combat Swimmer School

Roles and Responsibilities

SWDS units are tasked with a wide range of missions, including:

• Combat diving: Conducting underwater reconnaissance, demolition, and sabotage operations.
• Salvage operations: Recovering sunken vessels, aircraft, and other valuable assets.
• Underwater demolition: Destroying underwater obstacles and enemy installations.
• Mine countermeasures: Detecting and neutralizing underwater mines.

Equipment

SWDS units utilize a variety of specialized equipment to accomplish their missions, including:

• Rebreathers: Closed-circuit breathing apparatuses that allow for extended underwater operations.
• Diving suits: Specialized suits designed for different underwater environments.
• Underwater vehicles: Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and manned submersibles for deep-sea operations.
• Explosive devices: Tools for demolition and mine countermeasures.

Notable Operations

SWDS units have participated in numerous high-profile operations, including:

• Operation Neptune Spear: The mission to capture or kill Osama bin Laden.
• Operation Enduring Freedom: Various underwater missions in support of the War in Afghanistan.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: Underwater demolition and salvage operations during the Iraq War.

Related Pages

• United States Navy SEALs
• Naval Special Warfare Command
• Underwater Demolition Teams
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal
• Combat Swimmer School

See Also

• Special Operations Forces
• Military diving
• Naval Special Warfare