Diving and Salvage Equipment

The LI 1130 - Diving and Salvage Equipment program is a critical component of the Navy's Other Procurement account, specifically supporting ship support equipment and ocean engineering activities. The overarching goal of this line item is to ensure the Navy's ability to conduct planned and emergent waterborne repairs, salvage and battle damage operations, search and recovery missions to depths up to 20,000 feet, and clandestine undersea insertion of Special Operations Forces. Program objectives include enhancing diver safety, increasing underwater ship maintenance capabilities, providing reliable and rapid response salvage capacity, and reducing maintenance costs by standardizing diving system configurations across the fleet.

Diving Equipment (N97) investments in FY 2026 focus on phased replacement and modernization of aging life support equipment. This includes procurement of surface-supplied diving helmets, high-pressure composite flask replacements, surface-supplied augmented SCUBA sets, compact diver life support system air supplies, and a high-pressure air compressor. Additionally, Navy dive computers will be acquired to ensure divers can accurately calculate decompression requirements. The program also funds upgrades to the Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU) and its Ocean Simulation Facility, which supports advanced research and testing of diving technology, procedures, and human performance. New technology investments include chamber van upgrades, transportable recompression chamber system upgrade kits, and Diver Augmented Visual Display (DAVD) Gen 3 systems to improve diver visual acuity in low-visibility conditions.

Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Service-Common Equipment (N95) procurement in FY 2026 supports diving operations for NSW units. This includes acquisition of SCUBA diving systems and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, with some items excluded from the main exhibit due to reconciliation bill mandates. The program also funds standard double-lock recompression chambers, high-pressure compressors, oxygen booster pumps, dive computers, and charging vans. These investments are designed to replace aging equipment, meet life-cycle replacement requirements, and ensure operational readiness for NSW combat diving missions.

Mobile Diving Salvage Unit (MDSU) Outfitting Equipment (N95) provides prioritized outfitting for MDSU, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Commands, and Underwater Construction Teams. The focus is on centrally managed diving systems and equipment to meet Required Operational Capabilities and Navy Mission Essential Tasks. Key procurements include DAVD Gen 3 upgrade kits, SCUBA regulators, dive computers, and 3D sonar systems with GPS upgrades. These items are intended to enhance underwater visual augmentation, improve diver safety, and support rapid deployment and operational flexibility.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Diving & Salvage Equipment (N95) investments in FY 2026 prioritize outfitting for EOD commands. Procured equipment includes diver telemetry systems (HUDs), transportable recompression chamber systems, standard double-lock recompression chambers, SCUBA equipment, dive computers with low magnetic signature, DAVD 3D sonar systems, and diver launch and recovery systems. These capabilities are essential for supporting EOD underwater operations, ensuring diver safety, and enabling effective response to underwater explosive threats.

Salvage Equipment (N97) procurement addresses the Navy's need for salvage tow systems, pumps, hydraulic equipment, deep ocean salvage systems, cranes, transport and landing craft, forklifts, and firefighting equipment. Underwater ship husbandry investments include cofferdam systems, submarine and surface ship support systems, propeller repair kits, power tools, and rigging equipment, all designed to facilitate underwater repairs and maintenance. Additional procurements include remote operated vehicle handling systems, video/camera equipment, portable welders, lighting kits, underwater cutting systems, advanced power generators, and storage/shipping containers. These investments support rapid response to ship casualties, minimize downtime, and reduce costs by avoiding emergent dry dockings.