US Navy conducts Underwater UXO Recovery Training for SLN personnel

A training programme on Underwater Un-exploded Ordnance (UXO) recovery was conducted by the US Navy for Sri Lanka Navy personnel at the SLN Diving and Salvage Unit in Trincomalee.  

The training was carried out at the Naval Dockyard and the practical exercises were conducted at the Trincomalee Harbour by ten members of the US Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Team 5. The programme enabled SLN personnel to work with a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) donated by the U.S. Navy as their continuous assistance to SLN in UXO clearance and enhance their ability to search and provide information on unknown underwater items, including unexploded ordnance.

The two-week long training was the second such programme conducted by US Navy EOD teams for the SLN. The first, held in July last year, provided SLN personnel exposure to the use of a US Navy-gifted side scan sonar.

The certificates were also awarded by the CO of EOD Team 5 to twenty SLN divers who successfully completed the training programme held in two modules covering underwater searching techniques and underwater ROV techniques. The Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Neil Rosayro graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.