Coalition Task Force Surveys North Persian Gulf Seabed

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Navy and Royal Navy Divers prepare to launch an autonomous underwater vehicle in support of bottom survey operations in the vicinity of the Iraqi Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal. Both U.S. and Royal Navy divers are embarked on board USS Rushmore (LSD 47). Rushmore is currently conducting maritime security operations in the North Arabian Gulf as part of Combined Task Force 158. Maritime security operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the North Arabian Gulf and protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure to help provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Williams)  

07.26.2007

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

Combined Maritime Forces

NORTH PERSIAN GULF – A coalition team comprised of Royal Navy divers and U.S. Navy divers conducted seafloor survey operations around Iraq's two oil platforms in the Northern Persian Gulf July 9-26.

Members from Royal Navy Fleet Diving Unit and U.S. Navy Task Group 56.1 embarked USS Rushmore to survey depth, ocean bottom type and seabed hazards in the vicinity of Al Basrah and Khawr Al Amaya. The survey is to ensure safe navigation continues for the oil tankers that provide Iraq 90 percent of its gross domestic product.

Upon arrival to the North Persian Gulf, Rushmore launched its rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) with security teams. "The ship's boats provided force protection while the Royal and U.S. Navy divers conducted familiarization operations ensuring the teams understood each other's standard operating procedures," said Royal Navy Petty Officer Diver Mark Jones.

The dive teams also did emergency response training. "We conducted a diving casualty drill which ensured we could get an injured diver into the recompression chamber on board Rushmore quickly," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Corpsman (Dive Medical Technician) Dan Albright.

Once all safety checks were satisfied, the survey operations commenced. To avoid the heat of the day and strong currents, Rushmore launched boats and divers were in the water before sunrise. "We used the Royal Navy's Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) to study the ocean bottom with side scan sonar," said Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Andrew Gelder, head of the AUV detachment. From the sonar results, the divers then focused on specific contact points.

After two weeks of survey and dive operations, the team verified the water depth and ocean bottom type did not present any immediate hazards to navigation in the vicinity of the oil platforms.

"This is an example of how our close working relationship with our friends in the Royal Navy enables us to come together and safely execute a technical operation in a relatively short period of time," said Lt. Jonathan Kehoe, the explosive ordnance disposal officer in charge.

The survey operations were a true teamwork effort and included support from Rushmore's crew who loaded all the dive gear with its cranes and forklifts while in port Bahrain. "After loading several AUVs, six RHIBs, a recompression chamber, a portable dive locker, two scuba recharging stations and two equipment lockers, Rushmore and the coalition dive team were equipped for the assigned operation," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Garrett Collins.

"At the end of the day, it comes down to Sailors' teamwork in completing a complex mission," said Ensign Scott Jennings, the leader of Rushmore's boarding team.

USS Rushmore is currently conducting maritime security operations in the North Persian Gulf as part of Combined Task Force 158. Maritime security operations help set the conditions for security and stability in the North Persian Gulf and protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure to help provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.

• Date Taken: 07.26.2007
• Date Posted: 07.31.2007 09:30
• Story ID: 11541