The US Navy has officially certified its advanced Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System (SRDRS) for full operational use.
The announcement came on March 23, following a successful series of tests that confirmed the system is ready for real-world rescue missions worldwide.
This certification marks the end of a long, multi-year effort involving several Navy units and technical teams. It confirms that the system meets strict operational standards and is ready to be deployed whenever needed.
The final step in the certification process was a manned dive conducted on March 6 near Naval Air Station North Island in California. This test demonstrated the system’s ability to safely operate in deep waters and carry out complex rescue operations.
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Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker, Program Executive Officer for Attack Submarines, highlighted the importance of this milestone. He said the successful dive reflects the Navy’s high standards and the team’s readiness. He added that the achievement was the result of the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project.
The SRDRS is a remotely operated rescue system designed to save submarine crews’ lives during emergencies. It is built for rapid response and can be transported and deployed anywhere in the world within 96 hours. This makes it a critical asset for global undersea rescue operations.
With this certification, the Navy’s Undersea Rescue Command (URC) is now fully authorized to use the system in real missions. The team will also work alongside international rescue groups, forming a global network ready to respond to submarine emergencies.
Rear Adm. Chris Cavanaugh, commander of Submarine Force, US Pacific Fleet, stressed the need for such a capability. He explained that submarines operate in difficult, often dangerous underwater environments worldwide. Having a reliable rescue system ensures safety and supports the extensive training given to submariners. He praised the experts who contributed to achieving this certification and to maintaining safe operations at sea.
At the heart of the SRDRS is the Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM). This is a remotely operated vehicle tethered to a control unit. It is designed to reach distressed submarines deep underwater and safely bring crew members to the surface. The PRM can rescue up to 16 people per trip, making it highly efficient during emergencies.
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Capt. David McGlone, Program Manager for PMS 390, shared his experience from inside the PRM during the certification dive. He described the dive to 2,000 feet as impressive and said it clearly showed the system’s capabilities. He noted that the professionalism and skill of the team operating the system stood out throughout the process.
He also explained that such operations are far more complex than they may appear. According to him, a rescue mission involves many moving parts, from advanced equipment to highly trained personnel. He emphasized that the system’s success depends on both technology and the crew’s expertise in handling it.
The testing phase included two separate dives. In the first, the system was sent down unmanned to a depth of 2,000 feet. This allowed engineers to study its performance and ensure everything worked as expected. After a detailed review, the team proceeded with a second dive, this time with crew members on board.
During the manned dive, the PRM successfully connected with a special underwater structure known as the Deep Seat. This step is crucial, as it simulates how the system would attach to a distressed submarine during an actual rescue mission.
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The Undersea Rescue Command operates the SRDRS and plays a key role in maintaining the Navy’s rescue readiness. The team includes active-duty sailors, reserve personnel, and civilian specialists. They form the Navy’s only dedicated submarine rescue unit.
With the SRDRS now fully certified, the Navy has strengthened its ability to respond quickly and effectively to underwater emergencies. The system not only supports US operations but also contributes to international rescue efforts, ensuring that help is available wherever it is needed beneath the oceans.
