Combat Divers: An Illustrated History of Special Forces Divers from World War II to the Present Day

The full visual history of the special forces combat diver from World War II to the present day. Combat divers are an elite within an elite. Every special forces combat diver is required to pass selection twice – first into the elite military unit and then a combat diving qualification. The combat dive units themselves are tiny and the operations highly classified. The role of a military diver is inevitably a lonely and a dangerous one, whether clearing mines or striking from the sea against enemy-held targets. Fully illustrated with rare and unusual images, Combat Divers reveals their little-known yet fascinating operations, from Dutch Special Forces combat divers covertly operating against Somali pirates to the actions of Soviet Spetsnaz divers in Swedish territorial waters during the Cold War. It also examines how the most famous units, such as the US Navy SEALs and the Royal Navy's SBS, are currently operating and adapting to threats in a multitude of theatres. Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives. Cover Half-title Title Copyright Contents Acknowledgements Acronyms and Abbreviations Introduction Chapter 1: Frogmen: The Beginning Chapter 2: Experimental Diving Chapter 3: Combined Operations Pilotage Parties Chapter 4: Far East Operations Chapter 5: Scandinavia Targeted Chapter 6: Special Forces Diver Units Chapter 7: Female Military Divers Chapter 8: Special Forces Diver Selection and Training Chapter 9: Combat Diver Infiltration Options Chapter 10: Anti-Terrorism and Piracy Chapter 11: Mine and Bomb Disposal Chapter 12: Swimmer Delivery Vehicles and Dry Deck Shelters Chapter 13: Mini-Submarines Chapter 14: Combat Divers’ Equipment Chapter 15: Weapons Underwater Chapter 16: Marine Mammals at War Chapter 17: Remote and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Chapter 18: Undersea Spying and Sabotage Chapter 19: The Future Further Reading and Bibliography About the Author Index