UCT 2 Conducts Underwater Demolition to Improve Port Access

MICRONESIA, FEDERATED STATES OF

09.09.2018

Story by Chief Petty Officer Matthew White  

Underwater Construction Team 2

CHUUK, The Federated States of Micronesia - Sailors from the U.S. Navy’s
Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2 conducted an underwater
demolition blast to remove a hazard to navigation at the Chuuk Main Cargo
Wharf, in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Sept. 9.
The controlled demolition removed a shallow shoal and will improve the
safety of ships navigating in and out of the port. Following a bathymetric
survey of the demolition site, the blast lowered the depth of the sea floor by
approximately five feet, displacing more than 3,000 cubic yards of shoal.
“We are grateful to the U.S. Navy for taking this positive and proactive step
to maintain safety within Chuuk port,” said Robert Riley, U.S. ambassador
to the FSM. “The action is emblematic of the steadfast and enduring nature
of the security relationship that exists between the United States and the
FSM, and is indicative of the close bonds that exist between our two
countries. The sun will not set on our commitment to the defense of the
FSM.”
During the preparation leading up to the blast, UCT 2 divers drilled 29 holes
approximately three feet into the shoal, and filled them with 252 pounds of
explosives. The controlled demolition lowered the depth of the shoal, which
was initially at a depth of 20 feet below the water’s surface, to
approximately 26 feet. Throughout the planning and execution stages of
the project, environmental safety measures were employed in accordance
with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. Prior
to the blast, lookouts were employed to watch out for marine life and a
bubble screen was deployed, which releases compressed air into the water
surrounding the blast site to scatter off marine life. These measures
minimize the potential for affecting protected marine species wherever
explosives are used. The shoal demolition was coordinated with the Chuuk
State Governor, local police, port operations, marine resources, and the
U.S. Embassy in Pohnpei, FSM.
“Our coordination with the agencies in Chuuk, including the local police, was
vital to the success of the shoal demolition. They provided invaluable
manpower and knowledge to keep the area free of non-essential personnel,
ensuring a safe blast,” said Lt. Zach Niezgodski, UCT 2 Construction Diving
Det. Charlie officer-in-charge. “Everything UCT 2 is doing while we are here
is an effort to assist the people of FSM and to improve the functionality of
the Chuuk Cargo Port.”
In addition to the shoal demolition, UCT 2 will provide a range of operations
improving the wharf area, including inspecting of existing navigational
aides; assessment of the wharf; exploring the port for future deep-water
mooring locations; and placing environmental offsets at popular scuba
diving sites which will protect the coral reef from damage due to boat
anchors.
FSM and the United States share a close and mutually beneficial
relationship through the Compact of Free Association (CFA), which has
existed since 1986. The CFA provides for economic assistance, defense of
FSM, and other benefits and agreements.
UCT 2 provides construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of
waterfront and underwater facilities in support of Navy and Marine Corps
operations. UCT Seabees have the unique ability to perform shallow, deep
water, and terrestrial construction.
Valiant Shield is a U.S. only, biennial field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment among U.S. forces. This training enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

• Date Taken: 09.09.2018
• Date Posted: 09.16.2018 19:56
• Story ID: 293032
• Location: FM