MDSU 2 Hosts Ice Dive Training

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jeff Atherton | 190213-N-AP176-0122 LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Feb. 13, 2018) Navy Diver 2nd Class Matthew Pulkrabek, assigned to Movile Diving and Salvage (MDSU) 2, surfaces through an ice hole during ice diving training on a frozen lake at Camp Ripley in Minnesota. The training, which is the largest independent ice diving operation held by MDSU 2 to date, trained more than 50 divers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group 2, MDSU 2 and EOD Training and Evaluation Unit 2. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jeff Atherton/Released)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

02.16.2021

Story by Chief Petty Officer Jeff Atherton 

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, will host the third iteration of ice dive training for Navy divers and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minn. in February.
The course, which is run by qualified Navy divers and civilian instructors, teaches the fundamentals of operating on and diving under the ice.
Ice diving is very unique and it can be hazardous without the proper training. Dry suit familiarization dives must be completed prior to diving under the ice, SCUBA cold-water set-up training and familiarization must also take place prior to the operation. Familiarization and training on all aspects must be conducted prior to operating in an arctic environment and that’s why civilian instructors are used who have a wealth of experience operating in these cold environments. The courses hosted by Dive Rescue International are introductory and provides the tools necessary for Navy Divers to execute ice diving operations in an arctic environment. The extensive logistical considerations, medical considerations, emergency evacuation procedures, and topside personnel considerations are also taken into account prior to execution.
Camp Ripley is an outstanding site to conduct ice and cold weather dive training. The site allows Navy divers to train in a subzero temperature and arduous conditions at training ranges that provide bodies of water similar to operating in the arctic environment. The Army National Guard has been a tremendous help in supporting with base facilities and logistical support making it an ideal location to train in the arctic environment now and in the future.
In the course, the divers are responsible for dive setup, which includes building tents, heating the tents and cutting holes in the ice before diving.
While the arctic environment is not outside of the skill set of Navy divers, it is a far significant difference from the comparatively warmer waters of Virginia Beach and the significantly warmer waters of Key West, Fl., where many divers are accustomed to training.
With the recent release of the Department of the Navy’s Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic this annual training event has become even more relevant showcasing how Navy divers are assisting in building a more capable arctic naval force.
MDSU 2 is part of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, which oversees all east coast explosive ordnance disposal and a mobile diving and salvage unit which are capable of providing skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod2/.

• Date Taken: 02.16.2021
• Date Posted: 02.16.2021 16:41
• Story ID: 389124
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US