Naval Special Warfare Group 3

U.S. Navy Special Warfare Group 3
Active
Country	United States of America
Branch	United States Navy
Type	Maritime Special Operations Force SEa, Air, Land
Role	Primary tasks: Special reconnaissance Direct Action Other roles: Foreign internal defense Unconventional warfare Security assistance Counter-terrorism Counter-drug operations Personnel recovery Hydrographic reconnaissance
Size	~300
Part of	United States Naval Special Warfare Command United States Special Operations Command
Garrison/HQ	Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, San Diego, California
Motto	"The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday" "It Pays to be a Winner" "There is no 'I' in TEAM"
Engagements	Operation Just Cause Operation Desert Storm Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Red Wing (SDVT-1) Operation Iraqi Freedom

Naval Special Warfare Group 3 (NSWG-3), based out of Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California is one of six constituent commands of the United States Naval Special Warfare Command.^[1] Until 2008, NSWG-3 was composed of two SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams: SDVT-1 out of Pearl Harbor; and SDVT-2 out of Little Creek, VA. In 2008, SDVT-2 was disestablished and merged into SDVT-1, which is now headquartered in San Diego and operates detachments in Pearl Harbor and Little Creek. SDV Teams are SEAL teams with an added underwater delivery capability. An SDV platoon consists of 12-15 SEALs.

SDVT-1

SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) is commanded by a Navy Commander (O-5). The table of equipment for the unit includes three operational SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) and a Dry Deck Shelter (DDS). The normal table of organization includes three task units and a headquarters element. Each SDV Task Unit operates independently from a host submarine in the conduct of Naval Special Warfare missions. SDV Task Units typically deploy aboard host submarines, but may be deployed from shore or surface ships. SDVT-1 conducts operations throughout the Pacific Command's and Central Command's geographic areas of responsibility.^[2]

SDVT-2

According to the web site "Navy SEALS.com", and the website of the National UDT/SEALs Museum, SDVT-2 was disestablished on the 8th of August, 2008.^[3] Formerly consisting of 28 navy divers in the command in addition to SEALs and SDV technicians, SDVT-2 was reportedly replaced by a small Dry Deck Shelter detachment.

Mission

NSWG-3 is the organization tasked with developing expertise in deploying Naval Special Warfare assets from submarines. Current non-classified methods of deployment include the SEAL Delivery Vehicle, Dry Deck Shelter, and Advanced SEAL Delivery System.

History

See also: SEAL Delivery Vehicle

The SDV program dates back to World War II, when various sleds and vehicles developed for use by the Underwater Demolition Teams. After the war development continued in a garage-shop fashion by various UDT units, and included various "Marks" as the MK V, VII, VII, and XII. Intermediate numbers were assigned to some vehicles that never made it off the shop floor. All were of flooded design.^[4]

The wet vehicle SDV program (officially named the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle, sometimes erroneously designated as the SEAL Delivery Vehicle after the Swimmer Delivery Vehicle Teams were renamed SEAL Delivery Vehicle Teams) currently centers on the MK VIII MOD 1, was first established in 1975 for use among UDT/SEAL teams. The early MK8 MOD 0 SDVs had a PRC104 UHF ultra high frequency radio for use underway. The newer model MK8 MOD1 has a dual sliding canopy and quick release hatch.^[4]

Operation Red Wing

Main article: Operation Red Wing

LT Michael P. Murphy, Medal of Honor Recipient.

On June 28, 2005 SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One participated in Operation Red Wing, a failed counter-insurgent mission in Kunar province, Afghanistan, involving four members of SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One. Three of the SEALs were killed during the initial operation, as were 16 other Special Operations soldiers (SEALs and Night Stalker pilots) whose helicopter was shot down while flying to provide support and rescue to the team.^[5] Marcus Luttrell, the only surviving SEAL, was protected by local villagers who sent an emissary to the closest military base allowing a rescue team to locate the wounded SEAL. Luttrell was subsequently awarded the Navy Cross for "undaunted courage" and heroism in 2006, as were two of the other members of the team posthumously. In 2007, Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, the commander of the mission, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle.

References

1. ^ Official US Navy SOC website
2. ^ [1] SDVT-1 description
3. ^ Navy UDT/SEAL Museum
4. ^ ^{a b} Introduction to Naval Special Warfare
5. ^ Blumenfeld, Laura (2007-06-11). "The Sole Survivor - A Navy Seal, Injured and Alone, Was Saved By Afghans' Embrace and Comrades' Valor". Washington Post. p. A01. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/10/AR2007061001492.html.