Beneath the Surface: How Panama City Keeps Military Divers on the Cutting Edge

PANAMA CITY, Fla. – For the military diver, the unforgiving depths can be a perilous arena. Since August 1, 1882, U.S. Navy sailors have executed essential underwater operations around the globe, from special operations and reconnaissance to ship repair and force protection. Yet these military divers are also at the forefront of subsea and seabed warfare, wielding cutting-edge technology to enhance their safety and expand their capabilities. And for more than 75 years—with May being the Month of the Military Diver—one place has been synonymous with this mission: Panama City, Fla. – the Home of Military Diving.

Two divers utilize a dual frame Seacraft diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) during operations at sea. The DPV can be used as a linear tow or can quickly be decoupled to transform into a vehicle for each of these divers based on mission requirements. (courtesy photo)

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