Mark Matthews News

Last month we were offered an in-depth discussion on marine salvage with Captain Gregg W. Baumann, U.S. Navy, Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving. Captain Baumann and his team have a long history regarding difficult missions accomplished, including most recently the location and filming of the lost TOTE containership El Faro. What is the scope of the responsibility of the Supervisor of Salvage & Diving; Director of Ocean Engineering? The responsibilities of the Supervisor of Salvage & Diving…

Capt. Gregg Baumann assumed command from Capt. Mark Matthews as the Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), Naval Sea Systems Command announced. Baumann reports to SUPSALV after serving as program manager for the International Fleet Support Program Office. He also served as chief of staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Ship Programs, executive assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research Development and Acquisition and DDG 51 program manager representative.

Naval Sea System Command's (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Salvage & Diving (SUPSALV) continues to support the removal of the wreck. Guardian ran aground on the coral reef Jan. 17, while transiting the Sulu Sea. After the initial grounding, strong winds pushed the mine counter-measurees ship parallel to the reef and further aground causing flooding and structural damage which prevented refloating of the vessel or removal of the ship intact. SUPSALV is part of a command task unit established to perform the salvage operations and are providing salvage expertise and equipment to conduct operations.