Soldiers and Water – Moments of Water-Based Training and Operations
Water environments are essential to military operations because they offer strategic control over key regions, enable tactical maneuvers such as amphibious assaults and covert insertions, and support logistical functions like transportation, resupply, and evacuation.
Naval power, for instance, plays a key role in projecting force across regions, enabling amphibious assaults and securing maritime trade routes. In many cases, the ability to operate effectively in water can determine the success of a mission.
Let’s take a look at these images to capture moments of soldiers actively engaged in water-based training and operations.
Ranger School and 7th SFG(A) Showcase Aquatic Infiltration Capabilities
On November 3, 2024, Ranger School students participated in a water infiltration qualification exercise at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The joint operation served to evaluate both the new aquatic infiltration techniques of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and the standard water qualification requirements of Ranger School.
957th Engineer Company Leads Missouri River Wet Gap Crossing Exercise
U.S. Army Soldiers from the 957th Engineer Company launched their boats into the Missouri River at the Kimball Bottoms area, south of Bismarck, to begin a wet gap crossing exercise. The operation concluded with the successful construction of a full-span bridge across the river, supported by six additional units from the 131st Military Police Battalion, 164th Engineer Battalion, 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, and 1st Battalion, 112th Aviation Regiment.
U.S. Army Divers Support Humanitarian Aid Mission at Trident Pier off Gaza Coast
On June 20, 2024, U.S. Army Divers from the 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) carried out recovery operations at the Trident Pier, located off the coast of Gaza. This temporary pier, part of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore initiative, facilitates the maritime transport of international humanitarian aid to Gaza for distribution to Palestinians in need.
USS Gravely Sailors Conduct Man Overboard Drill Amid Joint Readiness Efforts
Sailors assigned to the USS Gravely conducted a man overboard drill in the Gulf of America to maintain readiness, as part of ongoing operations on May 5, 2025. This exercise supports U.S. Northern Command’s collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security to bolster military presence and capabilities at the southern border.
Navy Rescue Swimmer Recovers Simulated Casualty During Readiness Drill
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jayson Flores, a rescue swimmer aboard the USS Gravely, recovered a simulated casualty during a man overboard drill in the Gulf of America. The exercise, held to maintain operational readiness, took place on May 5, 2025.
It aligns with U.S. Northern Command’s efforts, in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection and implement President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders aimed at safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
Marine Recruit Completes 25-Meter Swim During Water Survival Training
During water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, a Marine Corps recruit from Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, completed a 25-meter swim as part of the basic course designed to prepare recruits for swim qualification. The training took place on April 22, 2025.
Instructor Guides Recruits Through Water Survival Training
Marine Corps Sgt. Daryle Jobe Jr., a water survival instructor with Support Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, provided instruction to recruits during a basic water survival course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. The training, held on April 22, 2025, equips recruits with essential swimming techniques in preparation for their swim qualification test.
Marine Recruit Takes the Leap During Water Survival Training
A Marine Corps recruit from Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, plunged into the pool after leaping from a tower during water survival training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. The training, conducted on April 22, 2025, is part of a basic course that teaches essential swimming maneuvers to prepare recruits for their swim qualification test.
Sailors Conduct Search and Rescue Training in the Philippine Sea
Sailors conducted a comprehensive search and rescue training exercise in the Philippine Sea to enhance their readiness for real-world maritime emergencies. The training focused on refining critical skills such as locating and recovering personnel in open water, coordinating with support teams, and operating rescue equipment under realistic conditions.
These exercises are essential for maintaining the Navy’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents at sea, ensuring the safety of both military personnel and civilians in distress.
Minnesota Guardsman Competes in Combat Water Survival Test
Minnesota Army National Guard Sgt. Ronnell D. Shaw leapt into the water at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, to begin a treading water evaluation as part of the combat water survival test during the National Guard Region IV Best Warrior Competition. Held on May 2, 2025, the event challenges participants with physically and mentally demanding tasks designed to test their endurance, resilience, and tactical proficiency.
The annual competition brings together top-performing Soldiers from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Winners from this regional event earn the opportunity to advance to the national-level Best Warrior Competition, where they will represent their states and demonstrate their skills on a larger stage.
Search and Rescue Training in the Celebes Sea
Sailors assigned to the USS Carl Vinson conducted search and rescue training in the Celebes Sea, working alongside an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter to enhance their emergency response capabilities. The exercise aimed to enhance coordinated aerial and maritime recovery operations, strengthening the crew’s readiness to respond to real-world incidents at sea.
7th Engineer Dive Detachment Holds Unique Underwater Change of Command Ceremony
In a unique display of military tradition, Army divers from the 7th Engineer Dive Detachment stood in formation underwater during a change of command ceremony held at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. The event, which took place on February 21, 2025, highlighted the unit’s specialized capabilities and honored the outgoing and incoming commanders in a setting that reflects the divers’ operational environment.
Marines Train in Water-Based Exercises as Part of Martial Arts Program
Marines engaged in water-based exercises as part of their training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. Conducted on January 10, 2025, the training session integrated aquatic environments into the program’s rigorous curriculum, which blends traditional and modern hand-to-hand and close-quarters combat techniques.
MCMAP not only develops physical combat skills but also emphasizes mental discipline, team cohesion, and the embodiment of the warrior ethos, preparing Marines for the multifaceted demands of modern warfare.
Marines Practice Combat Rubber Raiding Craft Flips During Small Boat Training
Marines practiced flipping combat rubber raiding craft during small boat training at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, on January 23, 2025. The session focused on essential boat operations, including handling techniques and emergency procedures, helping Marines build confidence and proficiency in maritime environments.
