Description
Book SynopsisThe 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.
Comb
Trade Review
A wide ranging and well-presented look into the murky world of military divers. * The Armourer *
Altogether a superb effort putting the spotlight on some of the world's toughest undersea operators. * Warships IFR *
Well-crafted and stimulating read, this is a fitting tribute to some extraordinary people - highly recommended. * Navy Books *
This is a positive addition to the library of combat diving, and should be of great interest to civilians who are intrigued by this clandestine genre of warfare, as well as useful to non-specialist officers and senior ratings who interface with the organisations who employ such personnel. * The Naval Review *
Table of 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 Index
