Members of the Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1 conducted surface-supply dive operations using the Fly Away Dive System (FADS) at Naval Station Rota, Oct. 27.

The FADS system provides breathing air from the shore to divers, allowing them to work more safely and for longer periods of time.

Quotes:

"Today proved the concept; we're an expeditionary command that needs to be able to adapt. Once the dive community received the certification to develop different configurations of the Fly Away Dive System, we ran with it and wanted to see how fast and light we can safely operate a professional dive side." - Petty Officer 1st Class Craig Claudio, det. assistant officer-in-charge

"Everything went really well today; this was the first time we've used a system like this. There are a few kinks we still need to work out, but today was very successful." - Petty Officer 2nd Class Nicholas Puchetti

Quick Facts:

FADS is the system UCT 1 uses for surface-supply diving operations.

Surface-supplied diving refers to the process of diving using equipment supplied with breathing gas using a diver's umbilical from the surface, from the shore.

The primary advantages of conventional surface-supplied diving are lower risk of drowning and a considerably larger breathing gas supply than SCUBA, allowing for longer work periods and safer decompression.

Navy Sea Systems Command recently released a certification for dive units to configure FADS into any configuration to best fit their mission, and allowing commands to fit required gear into smaller platforms, such as a Humvee.

UCT 1 provides a capability for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of ocean facilities in support of naval and Marine Corps operations. They also maintain the capability to support a Fleet Marine Force amphibious assault, subsequent combat service support ashore, and self-defense for the camp and facilities under construction; and in time of emergency or disaster, conduct disaster control and recovery operations.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.