UCT 2 Furthers Capabilities for Solomon Islands Police Force

HONIARA, GUADALCANAL IS, SOLOMON ISLANDS

04.27.2016

Courtesy Story

Underwater Construction Team 2

Underwater Construction Team Two (UCT-2), Construction Dive Detachment Alfa (CDD/A) conducted a Subject Matter Expert (SME) exchange with Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel at Hells Point in Honiara, Solomon Islands, April 27.

UCT 2 and the RSIPF EOD have been working together to build a lasting dive program in the Solomon Islands, and this year marks the third SME exchange between the two units. This collaboration is in direct support of the U.S. State Department’s Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA) program.

The HMA program assists selected countries in developing a local capability to remove landmines, Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW). These remnants maim and kill innocent people, obstruct emergency assistance, and hamper economic development.

RSIPF EOD Divers are the Solomon Islands’ most capable unit for dealing with explosive ordnance, both on land and in the water. They skillfully locate and safely remove UXO and ERW, and have recently begun operating a self-sustaining dive program.

UCT 2 deployed 10 personnel from CDD/A to Honiara, Solomon Islands to conduct this annual SME exchange. This year, an emphasis was placed on the maintenance and preservation of diving equipment, which has enhanced the capabilities of the RSIPF EOD unit and increased the longevity of their assets.

CDD/A and RSIPF EOD personnel covered a variety of topics during their two-week exchange. Comprehensive classroom training was conducted on visual inspections of SCUBA cylinders, maintenance for Conshelf 1st and 2nd stage regulators, and OTS Guardian Full Face Mask rebuilds. The group also covered refresher courses on diving physics and medicine, compressor maintenance, and dive charting.

“In previous SME exchanges we’ve done comprehensive training on subjects such as SCUBA operations and underwater searching techniques,” said Chief Equipment Operator James McVicar, CDD/A’s OIC. “This year we’re covering the skills and knowledge required to maintain the diving equipment used to carry out such missions.”

Underwater Construction Team Two provides construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean facilities in support of Naval and Marine Corps operations. Underwater Construction Technicians have the unique ability of providing shallow and deep water repairs, as well as being a highly skilled construction force.

• Date Taken: 04.27.2016
• Date Posted: 05.17.2016 11:33
• Story ID: 198364
• Location: HONIARA, GUADALCANAL IS, SB