By Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications
Naval Sea System Command's (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV) performed an aircraft search and recovery of an
EA-6B "Prowler," Aug. 17-20 near Guam. The recovery utilized the Navy's Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) "Deep
Drone" operating from the Military Sealift Command's USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52). The EA-6B crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 6,500 feet of water Feb. 12 while conducting night landing qualifications. Both engines and
assorted other components were recovered.
The operation was performed in order to assist the crash investigation in determining the accident cause and possible implication on the rest of the EA-6B inventory. Deep Drone is the Navy's workhorse ROV designed to meet the Navy's mid-water salvage requirements down to a maximum depth of 8,000 feet of seawater. The deep ocean search and recovery systems are managed by
SUPSALV and maintained and operated by underwater engineering company Phoenix International.
SUPSALV is responsible for all aspects of ocean engineering, including salvage, oil pollution response, in-water ship repair, contracting,
towing, diving safety, and equipment maintenance and procurement.