Water Survival Training Exercises

Military personnel engage in various water survival drills, using flotation devices and practicing vital skills in simulated emergency scenarios.

CHANGI, Singapore (Jan. 15, 2016) Naval Aircrewman-Tactical Helicopter 2nd Class Jordan Kowalski, a rescue swimmer with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-35) attached to USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), practices a buddy tow rescue maneuver. Currently on a rotational deployment in support of the Asia-Pacific Rebalance, Fort Worth is a fast and agile warship tailor-made to patrol the regions littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.

From left, Tech. Sgt. Quinton Wright, and Capt. Christ Bennett assist Staff Sgt. Olivia Oxford, all members of the 908th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron with the 908th Airlift Wing, Alabama, in boarding the 20-person sized floatation device, June 4th, 2022, at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Once on the raft the members were instructed to follow the five As; air, assist, accessory kit, anchor, and assess as part of their training to refresh Airmen on what to do in the event of a water-related emergency.

011129-N-9483W-009. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM Base: Uss Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Scene Major Command Shown: USS Kitty Hawk

1st Lt. Molly Murphy from Tripler Army Medical Center, swims with her ruck sack and M4 during the Combat Water Survival Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Green Berets with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) ascend to surface during a two week long pre-dive course on Jan. 10-19, 2024.Combat Divers go through multiple days of training while problem solving in oxygen deprived environments. They must face discomfort and overcome instinct gain confidence in the water. The pre-dive areas of emphasis include; weight belt training, equipment recovery, dive supervision pre-inspection, and U.S. Navy drown proofing techniques of hand bound, travel, bobbing, mask retrieval, and floating.

U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. David Paramo, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division, flips over a life raft during a Swedish swim assessment during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 5, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

Green Berets with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) conduct buddy equipment retrieval during a two week long pre-dive course on Jan. 10-19, 2024.Combat Divers go through multiple days of training while problem solving in oxygen deprived environments. They must face discomfort and overcome instinct gain confidence in the water. The pre-dive areas of emphasis include; weight belt training, equipment recovery, dive supervision pre-inspection, and U.S. Navy drown proofing techniques of hand bound, travel, bobbing, mask retrieval, and floating.

CHANGI, Singapore (Jan. 15, 2016) Naval Aircrewman-Tactical Helicopter 2nd Class Jordan Kowalski, a rescue swimmer with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-35) attached to USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), practices a buddy tow rescue maneuver. Currently on a rotational deployment in support of the Asia-Pacific Rebalance, Fort Worth is a fast and agile warship tailor-made to patrol the regions littorals and work hull-to-hull with partner navies, providing 7th Fleet with the flexible capabilities it needs now and in the future.

U.S. Army Soldiers compete for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, July 30, 2022.

110601-N-TP877-370NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (June 1, 2011) First Class Midshipmen Jordan Bethke, Aaron Morrison and Scott Kendrick, return to the water's surface during mask/fin/snorkel familiarization while participating in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Summer Cruise at the Admiral Prout Field House pool at Naval Base San Diego. The EOD Summer Cruise is used to identify potential EOD officers from Navy ROTC and the United States Naval Academy prior to their senior year.

030817-M-7837W-001. Subject Operation/Series: IRAQI FREEDOM Base: Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base State: Al Ahmadi Country: Kuwait (KWT)

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on October, 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

Sgt. 1st Class Frankie Gomez practices swimming in his Army Combat Uniform during the water survival training in Aurora, Colo., Jan 14, 2009. In response to the successful training, Gomez said, We not only may have to save lives in combat, but there may come a time when we may be put in a situation to save lives of our fellow citizens.”

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on October, 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

040402-F-0848C-002. Base: Elmendorf Air Force Base State: Alaska (AK) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific(MARFORPAC), Marines jump into a pool during water survival training at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024.MARFORPAC Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival (MCIWS) trained Marines from units around the island, including the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, through basic and intermediate swim qualifications to fulfill their swim qualification requirements during this multiple-hour exercise. The course is designed to train Marines in water survival through intense aquatic training events such as victim rescues, distance swims, and underwater endurance exercises. Air Force

U.S. Marines with 3d Reconnaissance Battalion conduct wet silk training on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan April 24, 2022. This specialized training provided Marines with enhanced skills and confidence for deliberate water parachute operations, ensuring they are prepared to execute a diverse set of waterborne reconnaissance and surveillance missions in order to maintain regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

A U.S. Navy SEAL assigned to a Naval Special Operations Team prepares to submerge in the water during a dive mission as part of exercise UNITAS LXIII in Rio de Janeiro, Sept. 12, 2022. UNITAS is the world's longest-running annual multinational maritime exercise that focuses on enhancing interoperability among multiple nations and joint forces during littoral and amphibious operations in order to build on existing regional partnerships and create new enduring relationships that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Quentin Lebkowsky, an instructor pilot at the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., prepares to heave himself from the water onto an inflatable life raft wearing a dry suit, helmet and flotation device, which makes it somewhat tricky. Every three years the 173rd FW Aircrew Flight Equipment shop prepares the training, which takes nearly a year of planning, hosting this years at Cultus Lake in Central Oregon, July 16, 2022.

221211-N-NM271-2280 PACIFIC OCEAN (Dec. 11, 2022) Navy Divers attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One deploy combat rubber raiding craft from the well deck of amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) during the NASA Artemis I Orion spacecraft recovery, Dec. 11, 2022. Portland, along with Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8), is underway in U.S. 3rd Fleet in support of the recovery. The retrieval operation is part of a Department of Defense effort that integrates combatant command service capabilities to determine best practices for safely retrieving spacecraft capable of carrying humans into space. The U.S. Navy has many unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner for supporting NASA, including its amphibious and expeditionary capabilities with the ability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats, three-dimensional air search radar and advanced medical facilities.

Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment conduct Combat Water Survival Training May 22, 2022 at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL. This training allows for a simulated environment, meant to assist Soldiers in developing survival skills to help prepare for situations such as helicopter crashes near large masses of water. Its good to have these experiences with one another, said 1st Lt. Jonathan Mercado. Being able to conduct this training successfully is going to identify who may need additional support and ensure success for follow on missions.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, prepare to dive during Exercise Caribbean Coastal Warrior in Savaneta, Aruba, June 15, 2022. This bilateral training exercise allows 2d Recon to expand its knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions. Caribbean Coastal Warrior continues to increase global interoperability between the U.S. Marines and Marine Squadron Carib, Netherlands Marine Corps, as well as Caribbean Urban Warrior, an annual training evolution conducted on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

S90-54754 (13 Dec 1990) --- Astronaut Richard J. Hieb, STS-39 mission specialist, wearing launch and entry suit (LES) and launch and entry helmet (LEH), floats in single person life raft after landing in JSC's Weightless Environment Training Facility (WETF) Bldg 29 pool. During emergency egress bailout procedures, Hieb practiced procedures necessary for a water landing. Divers monitor Hieb's activity.

Navy students take part in High Risk Training to prepare them for Special Operations training on October, 25, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston. Naval operations often require aggressive training programs to prepare personnel to perform mission essential high-risk tasks in a variety of environments. All basic or advanced, individual or collective training in a traditional or non-traditional environment exposes the crew, staff, students, and assets to the potential risks one might encounter out in the field.

240126-N-LR905-2060LITTLE FALLS, Minn. (Jan. 26, 2024) - A U.S. Navy Diver assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 dives in simulated arctic waters as part of Snow Crab Exercise 24-1. SNOWCRABEX is an annual exercise designed to test and evaluate U.S. Navy EOD and Navy Divers capabilities and equipment in a simulated arctic environment and improve combat effectiveness. Navy EOD and Navy Divers are part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF), enabling the U.S. Navy Fleet by clearing and protecting the battlespace.

Staff Sgt. Keith Estes from Medical Department Activity, Camp Humphreys, South Korea, swims with his ruck sack and M4 during the Combat Water Survival Test in the 2022 Medical Readiness Command, Pacific Best Medic Competition Wednesday, October 26th 2022 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

030315-M-5455N-007. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 2 MAW

An instructor helps a student free himself from a parachute disentanglement trainer during a survival training course. Base: Naval Air Station, Pensacola State: Florida(FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AQABA, JORDAN - U.S. Sailors assigned to Commander Task Group (CTG) 56.1 tie gear to be brought out of the water after a dive as part of Exercise Eager Lion 22 at the Royal Jordanian Naval Base, Jordan September 4, 2022. Eager Lion 22 is a multilateral exercise hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, designed to exchange military expertise, and improve interoperability among partner nations, and considered the capstone of a broader U.S. military relationship with the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF). Jordan is one of U.S. Central Commands (USCENTCOM) strongest and most reliable partners in the Levant sub-region.

Swedish swim instructor Private First Class Beyronsdotter Ellinor, with 2d Swedish Marine Battalion, demonstrates proper technique on employing a life craft prior to a Swedish swim qualification during exercise Archipelago Endeavor 22 at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, Sept. 5, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

A firefighter with the Directorate of Emergency Services Fire Department dive team practices an ice rescue scenario Jan. 11, 2023, at a frozen Big Sandy Lake on South Post at Fort McCoy, Wis. Several firefighters with the team took their turn getting in a suit, strapping an air tank and full-face mask, and diving into the depths of Big Sandy Lake under the ice on Fort McCoys South Post. The divers were covering depths of up to 15 feet or more completing several types of rescue scenarios under the guidance of fellow firefighters. Divers took turns going in and out of the same hole that was cut in the ice. Each diver was tethered with a connecting line that included a communications connection. This is an annual requirement for dive team members to maintain their abilities.

220615-N-PI330-1007 LIEPAJA, Latvia (June 15, 2022) Explosive Ordnance Disposal 3rd Class Vince Miller, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 (EODMU 12), places a simulated underwater improvised explosive device to conduct drills with the Latvian army, June 15, 2022 in Liepaja, Latvia. EODMU 12 is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests.

Combat control team scuba divers come ashore during a water training exercise. The airmen are from the 63rd Military Airlift Wing. Base: Anacapa Island State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

First Lt. Erica Paszkowski safely practices water rescue with her buddy tow, Lt. Col. Rodney Newton during the combat water safety training course.

220711-N-EE352-1584 BELLOWS AIR FORCE STATION, Hawaii (July 11, 2022) Australian Army Soldiers transit in a combat rubber raiding craft during amphibious operations training with the Mexican Naval Infantry, Republic of Korea Navy Sailors and U.S. Marine Corps as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, four submarines, more than 170 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 29 to Aug. 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

040923-N-7034S-003. Base: Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal State: Al Basrah Country: Iraq (IRQ)

Senior Airman Alec Ramirez, 72nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, absorbs the bites of MWD Ccarman during an aquatic training event at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Sept. 8, 2022. MWDs are trained to perform their duties in a variety of conditions and situations.

U.S. Marine Corps active duty for training (ACDUTRA) reservists from the 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company in Mobile Alabama use the buddy system during diver training as they prepare to enter the waters of Fleming Key. Base: Naval Air Station, Key West State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Army Paratroopers assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, swim under a parachute in the Vicenza swimming pool, Italy, April 12, 2023. This exercise is part of deliberate water airborne operation familiarization training before an upcoming jump at Lake Garda, Italy. The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, capable of projecting ready forces anywhere in the U.S. European, Africa or Central Commands' areas of responsibility.

130311-N-XQ375-210 U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (March 11, 2013) Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Benjamin Peckinpaugh jumps into the water from a rigid-hull inflatable boat assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) as Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Justin Turner stands by during a search and rescue exercise. Jason Dunham is deployed with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

An FBI Hostage Rescue Team member is raised to a H-60M Black Hawk helicopter during FBI HRT search and rescue training in the Charleston Harbor on Aug. 2, 2022, in Charleston, South Carolina. The HRT training was supported by local Law and maritime agencies while Priority 1 Air Rescue was involved in training the FBI personnel to familiarize them with rescue operations onboard the H-60M Black Hawk helicopter.

U.S. Army Soldiers from around the United States Army Pacific and 25th Infantry Division perform a Combat Water Survival Assessment during Jungle School at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 11, 2022. The Combat Water Survival Assessment includes soldiers performing dawn and ditch, a 5m platform jump with a weapon, a 5-minute tread, and a 50m swim.

U.S. Army Soldiers compete for the German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, July 30, 2022.

Candidates compete against their own desire to quit in the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment & Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on Jan. 17, 2023. The Special Warfare Training Wing prepares candidates physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

Two divers are hoisted aboard a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter during a Search and Rescue (SAR) exercise near the Pacific Missile Test Center range. Base: Naval Air Station, Point Mugu State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Navy personnel perform High Risk Water Training in preparation for selection for special operations career fields. Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician, Search and Rescue Medical Technician or Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman training held October, 24, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston.

A group of students, some wearing dive equipment for the first time, jump into the pool at Naval Station Everett, Washington, during the Joint Hyperbaric Medical Officer and Technician Course, April 26, 2022.

041208-F-9072P-018. Base: Lowestoft College State: Suffolk Country: United Kingdom (UK)

051206-N-0879R-005. Base: Naval Station, Pearl Harbor State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A group of 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers receive instructions on using an emergency breathing device during shallow water egress training at Hunter Army Airfield, GA, July 13, 2022. Aircrew members must practice using emergency breathing devices while keeping their composure and learning techniques to quickly escape emergency situations.

DN-ST-88-04244. Country: Unknown

U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian Henexson, (Left), and U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Angie Carafas, (Right), both with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepare equipment prior to boarding a simulated aircraft, during Underwater Egress Training (UET) on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 6, 2022. UET is a course providing service members with the skills and confidence to successfully and safely escape from aircraft submerged in water. Henexson is a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense officer and Carafas is a hospital corpsman.

Green Berets with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) tie underwater knots during a two week long pre-dive course on Jan. 10-19, 2024.Combat Divers go through multiple days of training while problem solving in oxygen deprived environments. They must face discomfort and overcome instinct gain confidence in the water. The pre-dive areas of emphasis include; weight belt training, equipment recovery, dive supervision pre-inspection, and U.S. Navy drown proofing techniques of hand bound, travel, bobbing, mask retrieval, and floating.

On the last day of March, the Bronco Battalion reported to the Boise State University pool for their annual water training exercises. The exercise required cadets to tread water, swim while keeping the muzzle of a rifle above the water line and jumping off the high dive board.The cadets of the Boise State ROTC Program, the Bronco Battalion, crossed the midway point through the semester in March. Their last field training exercise in the foothills overlooking the City of Boise took place in March. They travelled to Utahs National Guard Camp Williams for the actual application of their cumulative knowledge of tactics for the semester. Their focus on fitness training has been in preparation for the Army Combat Fitness Test in April. The Spring 2022 Semester is rapidly coming to an end April 29 with graduating cadets scheduled for commissioning on May 6 and graduation on May 7.

220615-N-PI330-1082 LIEPAJA, Latvia (June 15, 2022) Explosive Ordnance Disposal 2nd Class Dan Livesay, left, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Timothy Rice, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 (EODMU 12), conduct a dive to dispose of undetonated ordnance, June 15, 2022 in Liepaja, Latvia. EODMU 12 is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Anthony P. Newman, commander of the 173rd Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade, waves to the camera during an airborne-operation at Lake Constance, Germany, July 29, 2022. 75 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade and 75 German paratroopers from the 26th Airborne Brigade Saarland’ participated in the operation.The 173rd Airborne Brigade is the U.S. Army's Contingency Response Force in Europe, providing rapidly deployable forces to the United States European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. Forward deployed across Italy and Germany, the brigade routinely trains alongside NATO allies and partners to build partnerships and strengthen the alliance. (U.S. Army photograph by Staff Sgt. Alexander Skripnichuk)

RIO DE JANEIRO - A U.S. Navy diver, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU-2) conducts diving operations during UNITAS LXIII, Sept. 19, 2022. UNITAS is the worlds longest-running maritime exercise. Hosted this year by Brazil, it brings together multinational forces from Brazil, Cameroon, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Mexico, Namibia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Korea, Spain, United Kingdom, Uruguay, and the United States conducting operations in and off the coast of Rio de Janeiro. The exercise trains forces to conduct joint maritime operations through the execution of anti-surface, anti-submarine, anti-air, amphibious and electronic warfare operations that enhance warfighting proficiency and increase interoperability among participating naval and marine forces.

U.S. Army Soldiers from around the United States Army Pacific and 25th Infantry Division perform a Combat Water Survival Assessment during Jungle School at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Oct. 11, 2022. The Combat Water Survival Assessment includes soldiers performing dawn and ditch, a 5m platform jump with a weapon, a 5-minute tread, and a 50m swim.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (Aug. 4, 2017) Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2 and Expeditionary Mine Countermeasures Company (ExMCM Co.) 202, attach tow lines to a Mark 18 Mod. 2 Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) during an ExMCM training exercise. ExMCM Co. 202 consists of an EODMU-2, MCM platoon, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Unmanned Systems Platoon, and the Naval Oceanography Mine Warfare Center (NOMWC) Post Mission Analysis Cell. EODMU-2 provides credible, combat-ready EOD forces capable of deploying anywhere, anytime in support of national interests.

Soldiers throughout the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division conduct swim confidence training at the Chatham County Aquatic Center in Savannah, Georgia, June 28th, 2022. The training consisted of treading water for five minutes, proper swimming techniques and how to properly inflate a life vest.

Marines conduct a gear rescue evolution during a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival course at the base pool on Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Nov. 12. Considered one of the toughest courses in the Marine Corps, both physically and mentally, the course teaches students to become water survival instructors. As an instructor, Marines learn to instruct and certify students in water survival. The course demands that students become proficient in various skills, such as swimming strokes, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and rescue techniques in the event of an emergency situation.

221030-N-TR763-1561 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Shantay Beane, from Dallas, assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) jumps into the Pacific Ocean during a swim call Oct. 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

PACIFIC OCEAN (May 13, 2022) Machinists Mate 3rd Class Zachary Martinez, form Elmwood Park, N.J., is hoisted back on board during a man overboard drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69). USS Milius is assigned to Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navys largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th fleets principal surface force. Milius is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photograph by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James S. Hong)

Service members with Task Force Red Dragon and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) participate in the French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) at Arta Range complex, Djibouti, April 24-28, 2022. Since 2015, the French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) have invited U.S. service members with CJTF-HOA to participate in the course. During the FDCC, the members are evaluated on mountain confidence, knot tying, night obstacle courses, aquatic obstacle courses, and battle maneuver tactics as well as presented with physical challenges.

Team Leader Sgt. 1st Class Morgan George of the U.S. Army Parachute Team waves to the crowd after a parachute demonstration jump at the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California on 30 September, 2022. The U.S. Army Parachute Team is performing at the Pacific Airshow 30 September through 2 October.

Spc. Tigermichaela Alicea, human resources specialist, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, participates in the 1st TSC survival swimming training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, July 21, 2022. The 1st TSC holds regular training events in order to ensure mission readiness throughout the unit.

VARNA, Bulgaria (July 20, 2022) A U.S. Navy Sailor, assigned to Explosive Ordnance DisposalMobile Unit (EODMU) 12 (right) and a Bulgarian sailor (left) attach a floating mine responsecharge as part of a demonstration in the Black Sea during exercise Breeze 2022, July 20, 2022.Breeze 2022 enhances interoperability among Bulgaria and participating nations, with anemphasis on anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasure, search and rescue, forceprotection/anti-terrorism operations, maritime interdiction operations, and anti-piracy missionareas.

Hawaii, Nevada, and California Air National Guard Airmen paddle a boat in rough water during Swift Water Rescue Training held Jun. 8, 2022 on the Truckee River, Calif. The course focused on the fundamentals of survival in moving water, swift water swimming, shore, boat, and in-water rescue. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Orlando Corpuz)

A U.S. Marine with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, removes his dive gear during Exercise Caribbean Coastal Warrior in Savaneta, Aruba, June 17, 2022. This bilateral training exercise allows 2d Recon to expand its knowledge and proficiency when operating in littoral and coastal regions. Caribbean Coastal Warrior continues to increase global interoperability between the U.S. Marines and Marine Squadron Carib, Netherlands Marine Corps, as well as Caribbean Urban Warrior, an annual training evolution conducted on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

061003-N-9662L-045. Base: Santa Rita State: Guam (GU) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVAL BASE GUAM

A U.S. Navy diver plays a game of tic tac toe with a child at the Los Angeles Fleet Week exposition site, San Pedro, California, May 27, 2022. The purpose of Fleet Week is to showcase the capabilities of the Navy-Marine Corps team and give back to the community with events, static displays, and personal interactions between service members and the public.

110705-N-YO394-318CURACAO, Netherlands Antilles (July 5, 2011) Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 and marines from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps paddle an inflatable boat during a six-kilometer amphibious march along the island of Curacao. RIVRON-3 is cross-training with elements of the Dutch marine corps and navy for a three-week training course intended to familiarize U.S. Navy Sailors with Dutch ship-to-shore amphibious operations.

220609-N-SK336-1002ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 09, 2022) - Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) discharge aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) in the hangar bay June 09, 2022. Bataan is underway in the 2nd fleet area of operations. Bataan is homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

220615-N-PI330-1102 LIEPAJA, Latvia (June 15, 2022) Explosive Ordnance Disposal 2nd Class Dan Livesay, left, and Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Matthew Kuttenkuler, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 12 (EODMU 12), prepare for a dive to dispose of undetonated ordnance, June 15, 2022 in Liepaja, Latvia. EODMU 12 is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., Allied, and Partner interests.

Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Andrew Heuer prepares to take a photograph as SENIOR CHIEF Torpedoman Valerie Langstaff, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group Three, works with Loma, an Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin being trained for EOD assignments. Country: Unknown

Navy personnel perform High Risk Water Training in preparation for selection for special operations career fields. Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician, Search and Rescue Medical Technician or Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman training held October, 27, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston.

Search and Rescue Operations - Helicopter - 26-HK-261-99. Hurricane Katrina

221030-N-TR763-1637 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Lt. j.g. Nelson Goins, from Imperial Beach, California, assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) jumps into the Pacific Ocean during a swim call Oct. 30, 2022. Tripoli is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

France, Brittany, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon on 2022-03-29. Students from the Ecole Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), the military academy responsible for training army officers recruited internally, i.e. from the ranks of non-commissioned officers and other ranks, take part in a training course at Fort de Penthievre, a fortified structure on the Quiberon peninsula that has become a training base. Photograph by Martin Bertrand.France, Bretagne, Morbihan, Saint-Pierre-Quiberon le 2022-03-29. Les eleves de l' ecole militaire interarmes ( EMIA ), l' ecole militaire chargee de la formation des officiers de l' armee de Terre issus du recrutement interne, c'est-a-dire issus des rangs des sous-officiers et des militaires du rang, participe a un stage d'aguerrissment au Fort de Penthievre, un ouvrage fortifie sur la presqu'ile de Quiberon devenu une base d'entrainement. Photographie de Martin Bertrand.

GRAYLING, Mich. - Massachusetts Army National Guard teamed up Jan. 24, 2022, with local first responders from Muskegon, Roscommon, Crawford and Grand Traverse counties to perform intensive hypothermia training at Lake Margrethe near Camp Grayling, Mich. The event took place during Northern Strike 22-1 (Winter Strike), a National Guard Bureau-sponsored exercise held Jan. 21-30 with participants from several U.S. states and partner forces at Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center and Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Michigan, which together comprise the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC) (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Kujawa)

Reservists with the 507th Air Refueling Wing and the 513th Air Control Group perform water survival training June 4, 2022, at Hurricane Harbor in Oklahoma City. Training is required every three years for aircrew, and is designed to train members on how to survive an emergency water scenario long enough to be rescued.

030115-F-1740G-011. Base: Yokota Air Base Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: Digital

Swedish Anti Terrorist Unit, Svenska Insatsstyrkan, EU, Stockholm

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific(MARFORPAC), Marines jump into a pool during water survival training at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024.MARFORPAC Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival (MCIWS) trained Marines from units around the island, including the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, through basic and intermediate swim qualifications to fulfill their swim qualification requirements during this multiple-hour exercise. The course is designed to train Marines in water survival through intense aquatic training events such as victim rescues, distance swims, and underwater endurance exercises. Air Force

Recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, receive coaching during swim week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Jan. 2, 2024. Following coaching, recruits must demonstrate their proficiency in the water in order to progress to the next phase of recruit training.

111117-N-RP435-081MINA SALMAN PIER, Bahrain (Nov. 17, 2011) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class Troy Brisol, assigned to Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.1, left, signals to a Royal Bahrain Navy diver that he has successfully completed a search for underwater contacts during Exercise Neon Response 12. Neon Response is a bilateral, explosive ordnance disposal and diving engagement between the U.S. and Royal Bahrain forces. CTG 56.1 provides mine-countermeasure, EOD, salvage-diving, counter-terrorism, and force protection for the U.S. 5th Fleet.

060728-N-5681S-073. Base: Naval Amphib Base, Little Creek State: Virginia (VA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

000520-F-2902B-502. Subject Operation/Series: COMBINED ENDEAVOR 2000 Base: Lager Aulenbach State: Rheinland-Pfalz Country: Deutschland / Germany (DEU)

Navy personnel perform High Risk Water Training in preparation for selection for special operations career fields. Medical Deep Sea Diving Technician, Search and Rescue Medical Technician or Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman training held October, 27, 2022 at Joint Base San Antonio- Fort Sam Houston.

U.S. Army Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 222d Aviation Regiment conduct the uniform swim proficiency test during a battalion-wide best warrior competition, May 11, 2022 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

U.S. Marine Cpl. Robert Goolsby-Sledge, a transmissions systems operator with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit flips a tire with Gunnery Sgt. Justin Krettler, a logistics chief with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, and Lance Cpl. Nickolas Ronquillo, an administrative clerk with 5th ANGLICO, III MIG during a Water Survival Advanced course on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, April 13, 2022. WSA is the highest swim qualification Marines and sailors can obtain before moving onto the next echelon of becoming a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival. III MIG functions as the vanguard of III MEF, operating in the Indo-Pacific regions information environment, and supports Marine Air Ground Task Force operations with communications, intelligence, and supporting arms liaison capabilities.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in a water obstacle course during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 19, 2022. This exercise promotes partnerships, shares knowledge, and enhances interoperability between the forces in order to strengthen our common defense, foster stability and defeat threats.

DN-SN-86-06851. Base: USS Preserver (ARS 8) Country: Atlantic Ocean (AOC)

Recruits with Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct basic swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 12, 2022. Basic swim qualification consists of a 25 meter swim, tower jump into the water, four minute tread, 25 meter pack swim, and an under water gear shed.

Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians Signalman First Class Joel Blea (left) and Quartermaster Second Class Gary Hakes (right) remove their swim fins after completing their search of one of the ponds west of New York Lake for four 500 pound Mark 82 bombs carried by the A-10 that crashed on nearby Gold Dust Peak. The men are part of the Navy's Mobile Unit 7 from San Diego, California assisting in the A-10 recovery effort. Base: New York Lake State: Colorado (CO) Country: United States Of America (USA)

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 16, 2016) -Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Elissa Burk, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86), demonstrates personnel take-down procedures after being contaminated wth oleoresin capsaicin spray during a security force compliance training exercise, during RIm of the Pacific 2016. Twenty-six nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC from June 30 to Aug. 4, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2016 is the 25th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

A Philippine Marine with Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 cools off after a unit physical training session during KAMANDAG 6, in San Vicente, Philippines, Oct. 8, 2022. KAMANDAG is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military, designed to strengthen interoperability, capabilities, trust, and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. 1/2 is forward deployed under 4th Marines, 3d Marine Division as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Richardson, religious program specialist, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducts Basic Swim Qualification on Camp Johnson, North Carolina, April 21, 2022. Basic Swim Qualification is designed to instill the self-confidence needed to overcome mental and physical adversity that could arise during actual combat water survival scenarios.

060313-F-9074R-016. Base: Port Of Djibouti Country: Djibouti (DJI)

Recruits from Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct swim qualification remediation on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Dec. 7, 2022. Recruits who fail their initial swim qualification are required to return for additional training.

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