MCS is proud to announce the successful completion of a project in support of the United States Navy. The mission involved the recovery of an aircraft from a depth of approximately 9,500 feet (almost 3,000m), and was carried out by a team from Task Force (CTF) 68, Naval Sea Systems Command’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), Harry S. Truman, Naval Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, and U.S. Sixth Fleet, all embarked on the multi-purpose construction vessel (MPV) Everest.

“Inherent to Task Force 68 is our ability to adapt to any mission set – we can rapidly mobilize and deploy scalable command, control, and communications, in order to seamlessly integrate and provide forward command and control when and where needed,” said CTF 68 Commodore, Capt. Geoffrey Townsend.

The aircraft was successfully recovered within 27 days of the incident, thanks to the rapid response of the combined team, including SUPSALV and Phoenix International personnel. The operation involved the use of a CURV-21 remotely operated vehicle to attach specialized rigging and lift lines to the aircraft, with a lifting hook attached to the rigging to raise the aircraft to the surface and hoist it aboard Everest.

“The search and recovery took less than 24 hours, a true testament to the team’s dedication and capability,” said Lt. Cmdr. Miguel Lewis, U.S. Sixth Fleet salvage officer. The recovery efforts demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s capabilities to conduct deep-water search and recovery operations worldwide.

The recovered aircraft was delivered to a nearby military installation and will soon be transported back to the United States. This successful mission is a testament to the teamwork, dedication, and expertise of all involved in this important project.

VESSELS INVOLVED

SERVICES PROVIDED