Undersea exchange
Engineers dive on Ex Pac Bond Hawaii

A diver conducts a simple weld task Photos provided by Capt David Patterson, DJFHQ

A diver uses a broco underwater oxi-torch to cut steel.

Spr Ian Byrne and PSC Edgar Jimenez.

TWENTY-FIVE Army work divers have travelled to Hawaii for Ex Pacific Bond 2004, an annual sub-unit exchange between Land Command and the US Army in the Pacific.

Divers from 1CER, 2CER, 3CER, Army Dive Wing, 21 Const Sqn and IRR formed an Engineering Work Diver Detachment that was hosted by 29 Engineer Bn, Schofield Barracks Hawaii.

The first phase of the exercise involved diving operations held off-shore using a US landing craft at Maui and Oahu by Australian and US engineer divers.

The first week concentrated on underwater welding, while the second involved deep diving drills.
Contingent Commander Capt David Patterson said that in accordance with SAFMAN AS, Army Work Divers are limited to 30m, but the 7/29 Engr Bn has the ability to conduct diving operations to 54m.

“The 7/29 Engr Bn took time out to explain their SOPs for deep diving and our detachment found value in rehearsing dry decompression drills in the recompression chamber on site,” Capt Patterson said.

“Dives were mostly conducted using surface supplied breathing apparatus and the Kirby Morgan Superlight 17 diving hat.”

The second phase was held for both armies out of HMAS Penguin in Sydney, with diving operations taking on more complex underwater construction tasks.

Dive teams poured concrete slabs underwater using concrete pumps to site.

Capt Patterson said the divers set about removing an old slipway from the area.

The work incorporated underwater cutting torches to remove a steel rail, and lift bags were used to remove numerous three-tonne concrete beams from the site.

“The contingent also worked on underwater obstacles such as a steel and rock crib that involved welding, air lifts, hydraulic tools and lift and recovery techniques,” he said.

“Ex Pac Bond was an outstanding opportunity for Australian and US soldiers to mix in both a work and social setting.

“Soldiers get to compare our SOPs and equipment with theirs and weigh up the pros and cons of each.

The exercise came to a close with local Navy PTIs assisting the divers in an abseiling activity at the Harbour Bridge.

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