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 completed salvage operations Feb. 22 to recover the wreckage of an Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon which crashed off the coast of Italy Jan. 28.

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

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

"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."

Identifying components of the aircraft recovered by the divers has presented a significant challenge.

"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 the proper handling of sensitive equipment, members of MDSU 2, Company 4, began operations with scuba dives to locate potential wreckage utilizing underwater scanning devices. Divers then conducted surface-supplied diving operations, which allowed them to perform difficult tasks such as moving heavy 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 more than 200 pieces of debris within the first few days of the operation. This has been a difficult feat, according to the divers, as the significant amount of soft mud at the bottom of the sea has greatly reduced visibility.

"We have overcome cold weather, bad sea state, mud and zero visibility," said Petty Officer 1st Class Andrew Swartwood. "Although it has been difficult, we are trained to operate in these conditions."

Despite the difficulties, the Sailors and Airmen remained committed to their mission and reported the partnership between them 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."