Sailors, Airmen wrap up aircraft salvage operation

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Evelyn Chavez
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
USNS GRAPPLE, At Sea --  U.S. Navy and Air Force personnel are wrapping up salvage operation to recover the wreckage of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon which crashed off the coast of Italy late last month.

U.S. Navy divers from the Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2, Company 4, and Airmen from Aviano Air Base, Italy, have been working aboard the USNS Grapple (T-ARS 53) for more than two weeks. Their mission has been to identify, locate, and recover wreckage of the Aviano fighter jet which crashed in the Adriatic Sea during a training mission Jan. 28.

Collaborating to better identify debris and information vital to the investigation, the joint salvage operation faced several challenges throughout the process.

"Weather, size of debris field and poor visibility have been some of the challenges we have had to overcome these last few weeks," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Woods, MDSU 2, Company 4, master diver. "We have been forced to operate with even greater caution under these conditions."

Also among the challenges has been identifying components of the aircraft recovered by the divers.

"As subject matter experts we are able to provide immediate answers for proper handling of sensitive equipment," said Master Sgt. Chad Aubuchon, 31st Maintenance Squadron flight chief, aboard the Grapple. "It is important for us to caution the divers on potential dangers that might hurt them or damage their equipment."

After Air Force personnel briefed divers on proper handling of sensitive equipment, members of the MDSU 2, Company 4, began operations with scuba dives to locate potential wreckage located by underwater scanning devices. Divers then conducted surface-supplied diving operations which allowed them to perform more difficult tasks such as moving heavier objects.

"With surface supplied diving operations we are able to stay down in the sea longer and gather more debris as opposed to scuba," said Woods. "We have unlimited air supply with this type of dive."

The divers recovered over 200 pieces within the first few days despite the large debris field. This has been a difficult feat, according to the divers, as the significant amount of soft mud at the bottom of the sea has reduced visibility to zero.

"We have overcome cold weather, bad sea state, mud and zero visibility," said Petty Officer First Class Andrew Swartwood. "Although it has been difficult, we are trained to operate in these conditions."

Despite the difficulties, the Sailors and Airmen remain committed to their mission and report that the partnership has been a positive experience.

"The teamwork I have seen is outstanding," said Aubuchon. "The Navy works well together, and having the opportunity to work with them while participating in their traditions is definitely an eye-opening experience."