Navy divers from Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) showcased their diving skills in a display dive tank at Broadway Pier in San Diego as part of Fleet Week San Diego (FWSD), Nov. 8-11.

The diving team demonstrated their capabilities to more than 400 students and visiting guests as the divers, fully suited, submerged themselves in the dive tank. The dive tank holds approximately 6,000 gallons of water and is large enough to accommodate two divers at a time.

“SWRMC divers provide unique and invaluable expertise to the mission and the Fleet,” said Capt. David Hart, SWRMC’s commanding officer. “This was an excellent opportunity to showcase this to students around San Diego and demonstrate some of the capabilities that make SWRMC an organization the Navy can depend on.”

Students from local schools came out to tour the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS San Diego (LPD 22), U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Robert Ward (WPC-1130), and see the various displays focused on providing information on the academic disciplines of new and emerging technologies, the Navy's efforts in environmental and energy initiatives, the Navy divers, and to encourage participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programs.

The divers display was set up with the dive system truck, MK-V helmet, SCUBA gear, KM-97 and various tools and patches used underwater for visitors to enjoy; however, as with all dives, keeping a focus on safety for the divers was most important for Chief Navy Diver Joshua Amberger, leading chief petty officer for SWRMC’s Foxtrot dive team.

Amberger held a briefing with his crew prior to the dive that covered safety precautions while underwater, evacuation plans for unexpected emergencies, and the importance of working together among themselves and the members of the San Diego fire and police departments.

While in the tank, divers engaged with visitors in attendance. The divers also talked to visitors about their experiences in the Navy, explained the usage of the different equipment that was on display and provided information about their jobs. They also provided information on the mission and vision of SWRMC.

“Events like this also give us the opportunity to share what we do and what we love,” Amberger explained. “The camaraderie and the close-knit nature of being a diver and the risks associated with our job brings the team together like a family."

San Diego Fleet Week began in 1997 and by 2001 the event had grown into a nonprofit corporation. It is an opportunity for the community and business leaders to honor and celebrate the men and women of the military. It also gives citizens of San Diego an opportunity to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

SWRMC is meeting its mission to provide superior ship maintenance, modernization, technical support and training for the Pacific Fleet.

For more information on SWRMC please visit https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/RMC/SWRMC.

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For more news from Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, visit www.navy.mil/.