Entering the Sea in Freezing Temperatures... Navy Conducts SSU Cold Weather Training

The Navy announced on January 22 that it will conduct cold weather training in the area around Jinhae Naval Base until January 23.

Approximately 70 deep-sea divers from the Navy Special Warfare Flotilla's Salvage and Underwater Demolition Unit (SSU) are participating in this training. The Navy Salvage and Underwater Demolition Unit is a special force that undertakes missions at the national level in maritime disaster situations, including sea rescue operations, search and recovery of sunken vessels, and rescue of distressed surface ships and submarines.

On the first day of training, January 20, the participating deep-sea divers conducted SCUBA proficiency exercises in the waters near Jinhae Naval Base. On January 21 and 22, they held the core event of this training, the "Iron Company Selection Competition." The first round focused on enhancing the divers' ability to respond to various underwater situations, such as assembling and disassembling pipes while wearing Surface Supplied Diving System (SSDS) equipment and tying knots in low-visibility underwater conditions.

The second round of the competition evaluated teamwork by company. The divers compete for records in three events: SSU special calisthenics consisting of 16 movements, group running (5 km), rubber boat paddling (2.5 km), and fin swimming in the sea (1 km). The winning company receives a trophy, prize money, and commendations.

On the final day of the cold weather training, January 23, the divers will strengthen their physical endurance with a long-distance group run (20 km) and a sea plunge. Navy Lieutenant Colonel Park Youngnam, Commander of the Special Warfare Flotilla's Rescue Operations Battalion, stated, "Navy deep-sea divers possess the physical strength, mental fortitude, and expertise required for immediate deployment even in harsh winter operational environments. Through rigorous training that simulates real combat, we will continue relentless preparation to protect the lives of our citizens and the safety of our comrades at sea."