Navy Salvage Unit Takes on Anti-Terror Role

A Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit is learning new skills as the unit changes roles from salvage to anti-terrorism security and repair.

The San Diego-based reserve unit has worked on salvage missions, recovering Navy ships, debris, equipment and weapons that have sunk beneath the waves. In the future, the reservists will have the dual duty of providing underwater port security patrols and maintaining and repairing vessels.

“It’s a big shift,” said Lt. Cmdr. Richard Rodriguez, the unit’s commanding officer. Hunting for underwater saboteurs or explosives attached to ship hulls requires a keen eye and patience, Rodriguez said.