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MDSU-2 Chief Selectees Aid I-35 Recovery

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070815-12
Release Date: 8/15/2007 4:03:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joshua Adam Nuzzo, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

MINNEAPOLIS (NNS) -- While working at the site of the I-35 bridge collapse, three first class Navy Divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 learned they were selected for chief petty officer Aug. 8.

MDSU-2 divers have been in Minneapolis since Aug. 6, at the request of the Department of Transportation and in support of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. Divers are working in shifts daily, conducting a search of the area, removing debris and recovering vehicles.

“This was a nice piece of good news for these guys while we’ve been here supporting the people of Minneapolis,” said MDSU 2's Command Master Chief (MDV) Rosando Garcia. “I think it’s very fitting they learned of this milestone in their careers while actually on the job making a difference.”

“To me, becoming a chief means taking everything I’ve learned from my past leaders and passing that knowledge on to my younger guys to help make them better Sailors,” said Hospital Corpsman Chief (Select) (DSW/SW) Dean Delfavero.

Delfavero and his fellow chief selects have unique knowledge and experience to share with junior Sailors when it comes to diving in murky, low visibility water and swift currents. This unique knowledge is being put to good use at the I-35 bridge collapse site over the Mississippi River.

“The Navy was called in because the dangers surrounding this job, such as the zero to one foot of visibility in the river,” explained Delfavero. You find your way around by touch. It’s very hazardous down there -- lots of rebar, lots of loose concrete and obstacles.

“It’s very dangerous. These are conditions we deal with all the time, which makes the U.S. Navy uniquely qualified for this job,” he added.

The Navy divers of MDSU-2 were brought in to survey the site of the collapse. Since their arrival they have assisted local, state and federal authorities in the recovery.

“Coordination between the state, federal, and local government has been outstanding. The other agencies out here are buckling down and helping us with anything and everything we need,” said Chief (Select) Navy Diver (DSW/SW) Justin M. Scarbrough. “Helping the people of Minnesota out is a privilege for me and it’s a privilege for the Navy. It’s not a glorious job that we’re doing, but it’s an honorable job. I’m glad to be here and the people of Minneapolis have been more than supportive.”

Although Navy diving has been around for a long time it wasn’t until June 2006 that it became a separate rate. This new rate allows the divers to work, study and advance in one field rather than dividing their time between working as a diver, yet advancing in another rate.

“Since Navy diving has become a rate, the advancement has changed a bit. I’ve actually gone from Sonar Technician to Boatswain’s Mate and now I’m a Navy diver; I’ve had to study all three rates,” said Scarbrough. “Finally I am taking a test in a rate that I’m actually working in, so it’s become more enjoyable and a lot easier to take the test. I’ve learned a lot more because I only have to study my diving.”

Having one subject to study has helped Scarbrough meet his goal of making chief. While he considers advancing to chief quite an achievement he said he has not reached all of his goals.

“Becoming a chief is going to be an amazing part of my career because it’s going to make me step up,” he said. “It’s going to throw more leadership responsibilities on me to lead by example and have these guys follow me.”