Water Survival Training

Scenes of military personnel undergoing water survival exercises, practicing skills for safety and survival in aquatic environments, emphasizing teamwork and preparedness.

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.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Aaron Bogart, 307th Bomb Wing Medical Squadron flight surgeon, is guided through a water survival exercise by Master Sgt Bon Strout, 920th Operations Support Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape flight chief, July 26, 2022 at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida. Bogart escaped a canopy by following a seam across it from one side to the other. The exercise simulated an Airmens canopy landing on top of them after ejecting from an aircraft.

A U.S. Army Scout swims after deploying from a U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter over Apra Harbor, Guam, on Feb. 1, 2024. In a demonstration of inter-service cooperation and expertise, the crew of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor's 45-foot Response Boat-Medium supported an intricate cast and recovery training exercise. This vital training involved collaboration with the U.S. Army Scouts from the 3rd Squadron, 4th U.S. Cavalry Raiders of the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), 25th Infantry Division, and the U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 - the "Island Knights," based at Andersen Air Force Base. Coast Guard

The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division hosts cadets from the Korean Military Academy to receive water survival training Feb. 23, 2024 on Camp Humphreys, South Korea. The cadets received the training in preparation for the upcoming Sandhurst Military Skills Competition hosted at West Point, New York. Army

220831-N-BR419-1065 YOKOSUKA, Japan (Aug. 31, 2022) Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Maximillion Young, from Boston, assigned to the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), treads water during small boat operations, Aug. 31. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

110323-N-OT964-207NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (March 23, 2011) Navy Diver 2nd Class Alan Dewitt, assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, performs a training dive to familiarize himself with the MK 16 MOD 1 underwater breathing apparatus. The Mark 16 is a re-breathable underwater system used for bubble-free operations in water conditions with low visibility. Personnel from MDSU-2 are assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 56.1, which provides maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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.

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 2, 2023) Seaman Kevin Bauer, assigned to dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), center, and Lt. j.g. Fin Merrill, assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), right use a medevac litter during an Afloat Training Group (ATG) search and rescue (SAR) proficiency training at the Charles Jackson French Surface Rescue Swimmer Pool onboard Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 2, 2023. ATG San Diego is responsible for continued training, evaluating, and re-certifying of SAR swimmers on their ability to perform rescues, provide emergency assistance, and administer medical aid in-water and on land for all San Diego-based ships.

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

Force reconnaissance Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company swim with a gradient reel while hydrographic measurements are obtained during hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011. The training was part of a weeklong jump and dive training package that brought the unit, headquartered in Alameda, Calif., together with their Hawaii-based counterparts 4th Force’s 4th Platoon. “We are the tool our generals use to determine the geographical makeup of the land,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Weissman, a hospital corpsman with 2nd Platoon, 4th Force. “Before he makes the decision to execute a mission, the beach’s gradient has to be surveyed. We come in clandestinely at night and make an underwater map of the beach for him.”

Submarine diver.

A U.S. Marine Corps Water Survival Instructor with Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, observes recruits during the first day of swim training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Sept. 12, 2022. The basic swim qualification consisted of a 25-meter swim, tower jump into the water, four-minute tread, 25-meter pack swim, and an underwater gear shed. (U.S.Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Tyler W. Abbott)

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.

A Soldier conducts an Army Water Survival Assessment at the Lt. Gen. Thomas S. Vandal Training Complex on Camp Humphreys, South Korea, May 7, 2022 as part of the 2022 Eighth Army Best Warrior and Best Squad Competition. Competitors performed various tasks during the assessment and were judged on basic survival swimming techniques.

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participate in an amphibious crossing 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.

Airmen assigned to the 178th Wing in Springfield, Ohio partnered with the Cincinnati Fire Department to demonstrate their water rescue capabilities Sept. 13, 2022 for a visiting delegation of Serbians. The Serbian delegation toured numerous fire departments in the area to learn how to best establish a volunteer firefighter program in their country.

Police underwater diving unit searching a river for evidence.

Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Jose Maldonado, assigned to the 382nd Logistics Support, swims during the Army Reserve Best Squad Competition, at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, on May 15, 2022. Approximately 40 Soldiers from across the nation traveled to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to compete in the 2022 U.S. Best Squad Competition from May 14-21, 2022 BWBSC is an annual competition that brings together the best Soldiers and squads from across the U.S. Army Reserve to earn the title of Best Warrior and Best Squad among their peers. Competitors are evaluated on their individual and collective ability to adapt to and overcome challenging scenarios and battle-focus events that test their technical and tactical abilities under stress and extreme fatigue.

U.S. Marines participating in the Water Survival Advanced course perform rescues on simulated distressed victims during the WSA course on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. WSA is the highest swim qualification that Marines can obtain before becoming Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival. Throughout the course, students endured aquatic conditioning, endurance swimming, and underwater rescue training.

Paratroopers assigned to Charlie Troop, 1-73 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division take part in the Combat Water Survival Test for the XVIII Airborne Corps Best Squad Competition on Fort Stewart, GA, July 27, 2022. The Best Squad Competition tests squads' physical, technical and tactical abilities under stress and fatigue to determine which squad from the XVIII Airborne Corps will advance to the Forces Command Best Squad Competition in the coming months.

A 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier is flipped upside down during shallow water egress training at Hunter Army Airfield, GA, July 13, 2022. SWET gives aircrews the confidence and proficiency needed to safely exit an aircraft in the event of an over-water emergency and ensures no matter what environment they face, aircrews are trained and ready.

Fort Dix hosted a Water Survival course for up to 22 aircrew members from the 514 AMW during their upcoming UTA weekend. This training includes water survival orientation and in water training. The training equipment included 1 life raft anchored in the water and 1 blown up on the shore. Students will get outfitted with a life preserver, and will swim from the shore to the life raft and then enter it. Once all members are in the raft, we will discuss the raft maintenance and equipment to help them survive during whatever the environmental conditions give them. Throughout the time, they have instructors in a safety raft (small oar paddled inflatable raft) and up to two PWCs (jet skis) with rescue sleds equipped on the back. During this training if there is an emergency, the PWCs will approach the scene and their safety team will load personnel onto the rescue sled to quickly move them to shore. There was also a medical team on-site if needed, and up to 8 instructor/support staff. (Im

Recruits with India Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, conduct basic swim qualification aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., Aug. 8, 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.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Michael Hanson, facilities manager, S-4, Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and a member of the Marine Infantry Regiment in French Polynesia, French Armed Forces, navigate a water parkour course obstacle during the Aito Course in Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia, Sept. 6, 2022. The event provided a bilateral training opportunity between the French Armed Forces and Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. The nine Marines and Sailor from HQSVCBN participated in the bilateral training with the French Armed Forces in order to strengthen relationships with the region. The courses name comes from the Tahitian word aito, which means warrior.

A U.S. Marine with 3d Marine Division participates in 100-meter swim during a squad competition on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, May 23, 2022. The week-long competition was held to test squads from across the Marine Corps in their mastery of warfighting skills. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Lance Cpl. Michael Taggart)

220706-N-ZW825-0779 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 6, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman candidates board a life raft during a survival at sea training event at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 6. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors.

A Green Beret with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) ties 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.

220610-N-FV745-1002 SIMRISHAMN, Sweden (June 10, 2022) Lt. j.g. Chris Bianchi, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, conducts pierside training during exercise BALTOPS 22, June 10, 2022. BALTOPS 22 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific(MARFORPAC), Marines perform different techniques to swim across 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. A 250 meter swim, shedding gear, and treading water using different techniques are a few components of the trials the Marines completed. Air Force

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary Cases, a Socorro, New Mexico, native and assistant team leader with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, participates 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.

PEARL HARBOR (July 7, 2022) Partner-nation Sailors compete in a 50-yard backstroke race during a swim competition at Scott pool 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.

030224-M-0857S-007. Base: Naval Air Station, Miramar State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, conduct boating drills during Exercise Tres Kolos in Savaneta, Aruba, Oct. 18, 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.

A member of the Croatian Zapovjedništvo Specialjalnih Snaga (ZSS) emerges from the water during an over the beach (OTB) exercise alongside members of U.S. Naval Special Warfare Task Unit Europe (NSWTU-E) in Split, Croatia, April 14, 2022. For the Croatian ZSS, Joint Combined Exchange Training, or JCET with partner nations is not uncommon. The ZSS were founded in 2000 as the Special Operations Battalion and since then, its operators have participated in multiple operations, including stints in Afghanistan as part of NATOs International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

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.

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.

A Swedish Marine (left) with 2d Swedish Marine Battalion and a U.S. Marine (right) with Force Recon Platoon, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, walk through buddy breathing techniques while performing joint combat diver training during Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22) at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, September 6, 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 Swedish Marine (left) with 2d Swedish Marine Battalion and a U.S. Marine (right) with Force Recon Platoon, 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, walk through buddy breathing techniques while performing joint combat diver training during Archipelago Endeavor 22 (AE22) at Berga Naval Base, Sweden, September 6, 2022. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces.

U.S. Marines with the Maritime Special Purpose Force (MSPF), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, swim ashore after completing helocast water insertion training on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Oct. 26, 2022. Helocasting is an airborne technique used by small unit special operations forces to insert into hard-to-reach areas via bodies of water. This high-risk training prepares the MSPF for the upcoming 26th MEU deployment.

030315-M-5455N-003. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 2 MAW

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Roland Voracek, a finance technician with Combat Logistics Regiment 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, rescues a simulated thrashing victim during the Water Survival Advanced course on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, July 22, 2022. WSA is the highest swim qualification that Marines can obtain before becoming Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival. Throughout the course, students endured aquatic conditioning, endurance swimming, and underwater rescue training.

A member of the combat control team swims towards the 20-man life raft. Base: Hickam Air Force Base State: Hawaii (HI) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, swim to an obstacle during a water obstacle course in Djibouti, Aug. 30, 2012. The course is a part of a Training Force, or T-Force, package focused on primitive infantry skills. The 24th MEU is deployed with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group as a theater reserve and crisis response force throughout the U.S. Central Command in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Air Force Airmen from the Special Tactics Training Squadron wait for the command to swim in the pool during water a confidence training evaluation, Hurlburt Field, Fla., Sept. 30, 2011. The evaluation tests the studentsÕ ability to hold their breath for extended periods of time while tying various knots on the bottom of the pool.

U.S Marines with Alpha Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, walk back on shore during helocast water insert training on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 14, 2023. Helocasting is an airborne technique that allows Marines to stealthily insert from a helicopter into any body of water, subsequently utilizing Combat Rubber Raiding Craft to conduct amphibious beach reconnaissance and raids. Assisting in this training shows the capability of the MEU to conduct an insert of ground forces by sea.

U.S. Marines with Battalion Landing Team 2/5, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, paddle out during a boat launch sustainment exercise aboard USS New Orleans (LPD 18) in the Sea of Japan, Sept. 4, 2022. Launching from the well deck provides the MEU a ship-to-shore capability. The 31st MEU is operating aboard ships of the Tripoli Amphibious Ready Group in the 7th fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Service members with the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) perform a swim obstacle course assessment during a French Desert Commando Course (FDCC) pre-assessment at 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment base, Djibouti, April 19, 2022. Since 2015, the French Forces stationed in Djibouti (FFDJ) have invited U.S. service members with CJTF-HOA and Camp Lemonnier to participate in the course. During the FDCC, participants are evaluated on mountain confidence, knot tying, night obstacle courses, aquatic obstacle courses, and battle maneuver tactics as well as physical challenges.

A 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Soldier swims away from a helicopter seat replica during shallow water egress training at Hunter Army Airfield, GA, July 13, 2022. During training, aviators and crew members are strapped in a chair that replicates a seat in a helicopter and are pushed upside down in the pool. Soldiers must demonstrate proficiency by releasing themselves from their seats and swimming out of the chair, simulating exiting a submerged helicopter.

A Military Working Dog from the 820th Base Defense Group, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, conducts water confidence training at Wild Adventures Theme Park, Georgia, Sept. 6, 2022. The 820 BDG and 23 SFS K9 units instructed the military working dogs on water conditioning, aquatic patrol, deep water retrieval, water obstacles, bite work while in water and amphibious Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

TINIAN, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (June 17, 2022) Marines, assigned to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (1MEF), and Sailors, from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, currently assigned Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70 onboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) integrate to conduct a beach assault and airfield damage repair exercise in support of Valiant Shield 2022. Both units conducted tactical insertion methods, with 1MEF executing a helo cast from a HSC-25 MH-60S Sea Hawk, and EODMU5 completing a static line jump from a VRC-30 C-2A Greyhound. After 1MEF conducted reconnaissance and secured the beach under the cover of darkness, EODMU5 utilized a cargo drop to access the beach and completed an Expeditionary Airfield Damage Repair evolution, clearing simulated submunitions. Exercises such as Valiant Shield allows the Indo-Pacific Command Joint Forces the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming m

U.S. Navy ND2 Seth Davis, a Navy diver assigned to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), right, and ND2 Danny Pellegrino, a Navy diver assigned to DPAA, conduct dive operations during an underwater recovery mission in Wewak, Papua New Guinea on Sept. 01, 2022. DPAA personnel arrived to conduct an underwater excavation operation in an effort to find a U.S. aircraft crew lost over Papua New Guinea during World War II. DPAA's mission is to achieve the fullest possible accounting for missing and unaccounted-for U.S. personnel to their families and the nation.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Matt Brannen, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) deputy director, creates an emergency flotation device utilizing his uniform during water survival training at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, Feb. 27, 2024. U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC) Marine Corps Instructors of Water Survival (MCIWS) trained Marines from units around the island, including the DPAA, through basic and intermediate swim qualifications to fulfill their swim qualification requirements during this multiple-hour exercise. Marines must be able to understand and apply flotation techniques to demonstrate their survivability in an aquatic environment. A 250 meter swim, shedding gear, and treading water using different techniques are a few components of the training the Marines completed. Air Force

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 01, 2022) Military service members and personnel from Commander, Task Group 67.4, Hellenic Naval Base in Souda, the Hellenic Air Forces 115th Combat Wing, NATO Maritime Interdiction Training Center, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bays Fire & Emergency Services, and NSA Souda Bays Ward Room participated in NSA Souda Bays 19th Annual Eco-Challenge on Oct. 1. Eco-Challenge is a five-event, outdoor sports competition held across the Akrotiri Peninsula that is designed to build camaraderie and strengthen the U.S. relationship with NATO and Hellenic military partners. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Hawaii (July 28, 2022) Australian Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, unravel an F470 Zodiac bundle as part of a small boat operations activity during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2022. Twenty-six nations, 38 ships, three 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. (Photo by Royal Australian Air Force Cpl. John Solomon)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard, acts as simulated casualty and is rescued by a member of the U.S. Coast Guard ice rescue team at Coast Guard Station Burlington, Burlington, Vt., February 17, 2017. Cray participated in an ice rescue training mission with the U.S. Coast Guard, in which they used various techniques designed to rescue people who have fallen through the ice.

A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, 1st recruit Training Battalion, executes a floating exercise during a pool physical training event at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, March 30, 2023. Marines are expected to sustain proficiency in the water to maintain combat and survival readiness.

During Dutch Bilateral Training US Marine Corps (USMC) Lance Corporal (LCPL) Stafford Boivin, right, USMC Reserves, an FNMI 5.56mm M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) gunner with Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines and Corporal (CPL) Jody Ickes, a fire team leader with Kilo Company, provide security for fellow Marines during a beach assault exercise on the island of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles (ANT). Bilateral Training is an annual cooperative exchange between the USMC Reserves and the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNMC). Country: Netherlands Antilles (ANT)

LT. Melanie Knight, a diver with Explosive Ordsnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3, signals as she surfaces following a practice dive. Base: Naval Air Station, San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 2d Marines and Philippine Marines with Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 cool 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.

SOUTH CHINA SEA (Nov. 15, 2015) A U.S. Sailor with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group is pulled out of the water during a transition of safety divers during a swim call aboard the USS Essex (LHD 2). The Marines and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Essex ARG jumped 30-feet into the water and swam to their respective check point. The 15th MEU is currently deployed in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to promote regional stability and security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Coast Guard ca. between 1918 and 1920.

USS George Washington (CVN 73)US Navy

221030-N-TR763-1084 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Scott Linton, from Warner Robins, Georgia, a Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmer, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 aboard amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) jumps into the Pacific Ocean prior to 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.

221015-N-LK647-1663 ATLANTIC OCEANOperations Specialist Seaman Alexander Combs, assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), participates in the pepper spray component of the Ships Reaction Force (Basic) course while Normandy is underway as part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, Oct. 15, 2022. The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is on its inaugural deployment conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integration for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navys commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.

DA-ST-87-12810. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT '87 Base: Monterey State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

CARTAGENA, Spain (May 16, 2017) Lt. Anna Mansueti, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, conducts dive training with Spanish navy forces off the coast of Cartagena, Spain. U.S. 6th Fleet is headquartered in Naples, Italy, and 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.

050623-N-4166B-050. Base: USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

Airman Kevin Nguyen, a navy candidate in the Hospital Corpsman Basic program at the Medical Education and Training Campus, JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, Texas treads water during the High Risk Training on November 01, 2022. Steps are taken to prepare them for Special Operations training, where the sailors will execute high-risk tasks in a variety of environments.

Katrina - General - 26-HK-410-85. Hurricane Katrina

Frogman with complete diving gear and weapons in the water.

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort grapple in shallow water during the Corporals Course culminating event at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 1, 2023. The culminating event consisted of an improvised explosive device lane, shallow-water grappling and completing the obstacle course with gear. Corporals Course is a month-long professional military education program that develops Marines small unit leadership skills and continues to prepare them to lead Marines.

ARABIAN SEA (Oct. 5, 2012) Sailors jump off an aircraft elevator during a swim call aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The U.S. Navy has a 237-year heritage of defending freedom and projecting and protecting U.S. interests around the globe. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting.

Reflective tape on helmets and uniforms ensure safety for repair party personnel. A fast shutter speed permitted the photographer to "stop" the water during this training mission. EXACT DATE SHOT UNKNOWN. Base: San Francisco Bay State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

010518-N-2911P-009. Base: Naval Air Facility, Misawa State: Aomori Country: Japan (JPN)

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.

030315-M-5455N-009. Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA) Scene Major Command Shown: 2 MAW

A Military Working Dog from the 820th Base Defense Group, 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing, conducts bite work training at Wild Adventures Theme Park, Georgia, Sept. 6, 2022. The 820 BDG and 23 SFS K9 units instructed the military working dogs on water conditioning, aquatic patrol, deep water retrieval, water obstacles, bite work while in water and amphibious Tactical Combat Casualty Care.

A U.S. Air Force airman from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron swims to a boat after rescuing a simulated crash victim at Whynnehaven Beach, Fla., April 9, 2013. The 23rd STS trains, equips and employs combat control, pararescue and support personnel in response to presidential and secretary of defense tasks.

Special operations forces soldier emerges from water armed with a Steyr AUG assault rifle.

110726-N-KB666-161 PORT ROYAL, Jamaica (July 26, 2011) Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jayme Pastoric, assigned to the underwater photo team of Expeditionary Combat Camera, photographs Able Body Seaman Omar Albury, a diver assigned to the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, as he conducts a front step entry during diving operations with Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2. MDSU-2 is participating in Navy Diver-Southern Partnership Station, a multi-national partnership engagement intended to increase interoperability and partner nation capability through diving operations.

U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Bouma, the 173rd Fighter Wing commander, doffs his helmet following his circuit through several water survival training scenarios prepared by 173rd FW Aircrew Flight Equipment at Cultus Lake in Central Oregon, July 16, 2022. Every three years AFE at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Ore., prepares required water-survival training, which takes nearly a year of planning, ensuring the pilots remain current.

Sohela-Gwynn Campos, a cadet with the United States Military Academy, class of 2025 swims back to land after completing the Water Confidence Course during Cadet Field Training at West Point, Ny., May 24, 2022. The United States Military Academys mission is to educate, train and inspire the Corps of Cadets so each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army.

Swedish Marine Lt. Max Nilsson, a combat swim support diver, with 2d Swedish Marine Battalion, gives a period of instruction on employment of the life vest to U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force, prior to a Swedish swim assessment on Berga Naval Base, Sweden, September 5, 2022 during exercise Archipelago Endeavor. AE22 is an integrated field training exercise that increases operational capability and enhances strategic cooperation between the U.S. Marines and Swedish forces. (U.S. Marine Corps photos by Cpl. Timothy Fowler)

Army combat engineers from Breacher Company, 6th Brigade Engineer Battalion (Airborne), 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 11th Airborne Division, make their way to shore during helocast training at Clunie Lake, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, June 29, 2022. The combat engineers conducted the helocast operations to build confidence and familiarize themselves with future training they will encounter. Army aircrew from the B Company, 1-52nd General Support Aviation Battalion provided air support for the training.

DF-ST-85-12914. Subject Operation/Series: VOLANT RODEO '84 Base: Pope Air Force Base State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

1st Lt. Austin Pinkerton from Bassett Army Medical Center, Fort Wainwright, steps off the diving board 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.

ARABIAN SEA (March 6, 2020) Gunners Mate 3rd Class Ethan Hunt, left, and Fireman Jose Sotello-Guiterrez, both assigned to the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), practice pipe patching on the focsle aboard New York during damage control training, March 6, 2020. New York, with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and with embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers, with the 125 Engineer Multi-Role Bridge Company (MRBC), 122 Engineer Battalion, South Carolina National Guard, conduct zodiac self-recovery and man overboard drills during their annual training held at Clarks Hill training site in McCormick County, South Carolina, July 19, 2022. Soldiers trained on their abilities to recover the zodiac back into an operational position in the event the boat was flipped or rolled over. Soldiers also trained on their ability to recover personnel who have fallen overboard, or who may need rescuing from high waters during a storm. Knowing how to operate the boat safely when people are in the water around them is crucial in real life situations.

DN-ST-87-05032. Base: Key West State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

Candidates compete against their own desire to quit during the Special Warfare Training Wing Assessment & Selection Course at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland on March 13, 2023. The Special Warfare Training Wing prepares candidates physically, mentally, emotionally and cognitively for demanding careers as special warfare operators.

Spec ops police officer SWAT in action in the water.

Search and Rescue Operations - 26-HK-260-58. Hurricane Katrina

220706-N-ZW825-0209 GREAT LAKES, Ill. (July 6, 2022) Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) New Student Indoctrination (NSI) midshipman candidates step off the dive platform to commence a survival at sea training event at Recruit Training Command (RTC), July 6. Upon completion of NSI, the candidates will start their freshman year of the NROTC program at colleges and universities nationwide this fall. NSI is an indoctrination program hosted at RTC, and provides midshipmen with a common military training orientation. NSI provides basic training in five warfighting fundamentals - firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms handling and marksmanship - to begin creating basically trained and smartly disciplined future Navy and Marine Corps officers. NROTC is overseen by Commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), Rear Adm. Jennifer S. Couture, which supports naval accessions training for 98 percent of the Navys new officers and enlisted Sailors.

Fisherman with Smoke Flare During Training

220510-N-DW158-1039 PACIFIC OCEAN (May 10, 2022) Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Airman Jalen Simmons from Tallahassee, Florida, inspects a countermeasure wash-down sprinkler on the flight deck of the U.S. Navys only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), during a test of the ships countermeasure wash-down system. The countermeasure wash-down system is used before, during, and after chemical contamination events to wash off harmful chemicals or agents on the outside of the ship. Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

221030-N-XN177-2219 WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (Oct. 30, 2022) - Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christopher McCloskey, from Oceanside, California, assigned to amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) participates in 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.

Astronaut Judy Resnick inflates a solar water still during20-man life raft training on Biscayne Bay. The exercise is being conducted by the Air Training Command sea survival school. Base: Homestead Air Force Base State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

On Day 3 of Installation Management Command - Europe Best Warrior Competition, the 12 Soldiers completed the 8-mile ruck march; weapons qualification; medical lanes and were in the pool for the mystery event. Photo by Sandra Roemer, IMCOM-E Enterprise Multimedia Center

Marine Safety Unit - 26-HK-133-101. Hurricane Katrina

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUDA BAY, Greece (Oct. 01, 2022) Military service members and personnel from Commander, Task Group 67.4, Hellenic Naval Base in Souda, the Hellenic Air Forces 115th Combat Wing, NATO Maritime Interdiction Training Center, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bays Fire & Emergency Services, and NSA Souda Bays Ward Room participated in NSA Souda Bays 19th Annual Eco-Challenge on Oct. 1. Eco-Challenge is a five-event, outdoor sports competition held across the Akrotiri Peninsula that is designed to build camaraderie and strengthen the U.S. relationship with NATO and Hellenic military partners. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

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