Combat Divers: An illustrated history of special forces divers
The 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.

Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.

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Combat Divers: An illustrated history of special forces divers
The 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.

Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.

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Combat Divers: An illustrated history of special forces divers

Combat Divers: An illustrated history of special forces divers

by Michael G. Welham
Combat Divers: An illustrated history of special forces divers

Combat Divers: An illustrated history of special forces divers

by Michael G. Welham

Hardcover

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Overview

The 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.

Combat Divers gives an insight into specialist kit and vehicles presently used and equipment that is being developed and trialed throughout the world. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams. As their kit and equipment constantly evolve, so does the nature of their work and even the team element. Combat Divers also details the first female combat divers and includes their own first-hand accounts about their groundbreaking roles within their respective units to create a fascinating history of these elite special forces operatives.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781472856005
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA
Publication date: 01/31/2023
Pages: 304
Product dimensions: 7.70(w) x 9.50(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Michael G. Welham is a former Royal Marines Commando (specialist skills: diving, canoeing and parachuting), and subsequently a member of 21 SAS and Naval Gunfire Support 95 Commando RAR. He has some 40 years of diving experience, both military and civilian. He is the author of Combat Frogmen (with Lord Paddy Ashdown), Naval Elite Units, Exploring the Deep and Frogmen Spy.

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

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