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DSU Tests New Submarine Rescue System with Chilean Submarine

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081001-12

Release Date: 10/1/2008 4:35:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy's Deep Submergence Unit tested a new system known as the submarine rescue diving and recompression system (SRDRS) with the Chilean submarine CS Simpson (SS-21) Sept. 17-18.

The SRDS is designed to be rapidly deployed to any location in the world via air or ground and can be installed on military or commercial vessels when a call for assistance is received. It will replace the deactivated deep submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV) system as the Navy's premier submarine rescue capability.

"The SRDRS is the U.S. Navy's 21st century submarine rescue system and represents state-of-the-art technology for submarine rescue systems," said Lt. Rich Ray, the former engineering officer of the rescue submarine Mystic (DSRV 1).

According to Ray, the SRDRS is designed to be mobilized, installed on a transport vehicle, transported to a site and mated to a distressed submarine to begin rescues within a maximum of 72 hours.

During the exercise, and with operators inside, the pressurized rescue module (PRM) was remotely controlled via a topside control console aboard fleet ocean tug USNS Navajo (T-ATF 169), which carried the SRDRS for this evolution.

"It was an awesome experience to work with the Chilean Navy," said DSU Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Chris Huffstetler. "I believe it is beneficial to work with foreign navies in case something really happens.we can provide immediate support."

The SRDRS concept of operations has been developed to support rescue of up to 155 personnel from a pressurized disabled submarine. The PRM accommodates 16 rescued personnel per trip and requires two operators and a diving medical technician.

"The operation was a phenomenal success thanks to the cooperation of the entire crew," said Cmdr. Larry R. Lintz, deputy commander for submarine escape at Commander, Submarine Development Squadron 5. "Now we can officially say, the SRDRS is the Navy's official submarine rescue system."