006 - 20 points about UK submarines, DDS, SWCS, MK11, deep divers, DTXG team

PREFACE/ISSUE

"Exploring the UK underwater demolition capability in the view of NordStream affair"

Previously on MORTYMER´s HYPHOTESIS:

In two separate posts I explored the possibility that it was a UK Astute class submarine which is MY main suspect: 

"100 shades of Nordstream sabotage - part II"

"100 shades of Nordstream sabotage - part III"

In another post I have explored the rationale why a submarine would be the best delivery means: 

"Whose submarine was there the week before the Nordstream was blown up?"   

But, submarine is just a means how to get near the target location. 

PropellerHeads - On Her Majesty's Secret Service

 

 

UK underwater demolition capability explained:

There were 10 submarines in the Royal Navy Submarine Service as at 1 April 2022, consisting of: 6 Nuclear Submarines. 4 Ballistic Nuclear Submarines.

#1 - UK has two types of submarines - wiki overview: Fleet and Ballistic

        There are six "fleet submarines" in commission: 1xTrafalgar and 5xAstute.

[M: ballistic could be excluded as suspects, they are for nuclear detterence and not suitable for such operations]

#2 - The Astute class submarines are:

#3 - Only these Astute class subs are so far operational: 

Astute         S119

Ambush         S120

Artful         S121

Audacious         S122

The Astute class submarines were designed from the outset to be fitted with (removable) a Dry Deck Shelter (DDS). 

[M: My deduction is that Astute class sub with Chalfont was involved because of the need to provide delivery vehicle, divers and protection, this info ]

#4 - Royal Navy submarine special forces delivery systems - Chalfont

DDS hangar, Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV), Mass Swimmer Lock-Out (MSLO), CHALFONT Shore Facility (CSF) constructed by BAES at Faslane/Clyde naval base in Scotland.

 The Faslane/Clyde naval base s where the DDS Chalfont is mounted to the submarine when needed (1-3 days). The large hallway is for subs.

On 10 June 2021 - New Submarine Training Facility Taking Shape At HMNB Clyde. The facility already hosts Chalfont training team.

#5 - Chalfont system description - In focus: Royal Navy submarine special forces delivery systems... Submariners nickname it “The caravan of death”.

A dry deck shelter (DDS) is a removable module that can be attached to a submarine to allow divers easy exit and entrance while the boat is submerged.

The host submarine must be specially modified to accommodate the DDS, with the appropriate mating hatch configuration, electrical connections, and piping for ventilation,[1] divers' air, and draining water. The DDS can be used to deploy a SEAL Delivery Vehicle submersible, Navy divers, or Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC).

The Astute class reputedly have a lock-in/lock-out transfer trunk permanently installed inside the sail that allows diver access to and from the submarine while submerged. When the DDS has fitted, this chamber is mated to the ‘hangar’ which can accommodate either a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) or up to 20 divers and their equipment.  

#6 - This dry dock facility was developed/procured under the code name of 'Project Chalfont' and is known as the "Special Forces payload bay".

Training is conducted at the purpose-built Chalfont Shore Facility (CSF) constructed by BAE Systems at HMNB Clyde. It is used by the Astute-class submarine.

 The SDV release team consists of 2 officers, 2 enlisted technicians, and 18 divers. 

 

2014 - Britain's super-sub: Navy unveils James Bond-style mini submarine carried on board HMS Astute which can launch from under water. 

2014. "A minisub dry dock used by the Special Boat Service (SBS) has been spotted in the wild". HMS Astute Shows Off SBS Minisub Dry Dock in 2014.

#7 - Known as shallow water combat submersible (SWCS),...

 ...the new SDVs can accommodate 8 fully equipped SBS commandos. Unlike the previous design, the new SDV will feature a periscope, doppler sonar array and advanced navigation systems which means the craft will be able to carry out its missions without surfacing to take GPS bearings.

The miniature submarine births in the Astute class boat's dry dock shelter and can be transported, submerged and undetected, for thousands of miles.

To be launched, the minisub's 'mother' sub rises to a relatively shallow depth before the minisub exits the dry dock and begins its mission.

Recovery of the minisub back into the dry dock is just as simple. The dry dock can be fixed to whichever Astute class submarine is required for a given SBS operation. 

Even without a minisub present, SBS frogmen can still swim out of the dock, perhaps carrying inflatable craft up to the surface. 

#8 - Three MK 11 Shallow Water Combat Submersibles (SWCF) fitting Chalfont purchased by UK in 2018.  A blogger Covert Shores has excellent info about the SWCS.

SEAL DELIVERY VEHICLE (SDV)

MK 11 SHALLOW WATER COMBAT SUBMERSIBLES (SWCS)

(specification)

 Another possibility is the Block II - details  "S351 Nemesis".

2020 - USSOCOM Reveals Dry Combat Submersible Entering Service Soon 

The Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) is a type of SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) which has a dry interior to allow the SEALs to arrive at their target fresher than the usual wet-sub where they have to wear their diving gear at all times. Illustration by H I Sutton.

For decades, the U.S. Navy SEALs have primarily used “wet” SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) midget submarines where the passenger compartment is flooded to the temperatures and operational environmental conditions of the waters outside and the riders have to wear SCBA masks for breathing. To address SOCOM’s emphasis on BioTechnology and special forces Operators’ overall health and well-being, having a submersible with a pressurized dry interior allows for better Operator endurance, especially, for example, in the colder waters such as the Arctic. 

As of July 2019, the first of the subs is undergoing advanced sea trials in the US with the second in production in the UK.  Delivery of all three submersibles is expected to take place by January 2022. source 

#9 - "The new Diving & Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG):

1st March 2022 - "Changes ahead for Navy diving teams in biggest shake-up in 25 years"

... replaces the long-standing Fleet Diving Squadron. The RN Diving & Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) was reorganized in March 2022 from old Fleet Diving Unit, an elite cadre of frogmen who provide Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) support to the Special Forces and Royal Marines." 

"For my unit this transformation means we can focus our attention on becoming experts in the field of maritime exploitation of conventional and improvised explosive devises and munitions – a capability that doesn’t exist anywhere else across UK defence."

The Diving & Threat Exploitation Group continues to evolve and move with the times.

"We recognise and embrace modern, innovative technology such as autonomous underwater vehicles and remotely operated vehicles (known as AUVs and ROVs) to deliver operations and enhance training."

#10 - RN divers from the Fleet Diving Unit One (FDU1)...

...act as casing divers to support SF personnel when deployed onboard a DDS-equipped submarine, Alpha Squadron (DTXG’s special operations squadron), Echo Squadron (DTXG’s explosive exploitation experts).

UK Regulations, Guidance, Training and the Theory of Diving - details

(Even the top secret missions have to follow risk management, safety rules) 

 

#11 - Clearance divers - UK:

• ALPHA SQUADRON
  (55 Specialist divers, engineers and mine warfare personnel)
• BRAVO SQUADRON
  (8 crew, 52 personnel Group strength)
• CHARLIE SQUADRON
  (38 personnel)
• DELTA & ECHO SQUADRON
  (unspecified / classified)

Some ROLES (of squadron leaders):

Tactical Diving Group (TDG) - is a specialist unit within the Royal Navy responsible for providing diving support and expertise to military operations. The TDG conducts a range of diving activities, including mine countermeasures, underwater repair work, and submarine rescue operations. The TDG also works closely with other specialist units within the Royal Navy, such as the Fleet Diving Group and the Submarine Parachute Assistance Group.

The Royal Navy's Advanced (High Threat) IED Disposal Operator (AHDO) is a highly specialized role within the Fleet Diving Group, which is responsible for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and other diving operations.

AHDOs are responsible for the safe and effective disposal of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in high-threat environments, both at sea and on land. They use their advanced training and specialized equipment to identify, render safe, and dispose of IEDs, which may include complex devices that are difficult to detect or access.

In addition to their EOD duties, AHDOs also have a range of other responsibilities, including conducting underwater search operations, providing support to other military units in hostile environments, and providing training and guidance to other members of the Fleet Diving Group. 

The Joint Service Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) Operator is a role within the Royal Navy's Fleet Diving Group, which is responsible for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and other diving operations.

Joint Service IEDD Operators are trained to identify, render safe, and dispose of a wide range of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in various environments, including at sea and on land. They use a combination of specialized equipment and techniques to achieve this, which may involve using robots and other remote-controlled devices to minimize the risk to themselves and others.

As the name suggests, Joint Service IEDD Operators are part of a wider team that includes personnel from other branches of the military, such as the British Army and the Royal Air Force. They work together to provide a coordinated response to IED threats, both at home and overseas.

In addition to their core role in IEDD, Joint Service IEDD Operators also have a range of other responsibilities, including conducting underwater search operations, providing training and guidance to other members of the Fleet Diving Group, and working closely with other specialist units within the Royal Navy and the wider military. 

Effective from 31 January 2022, the Fleet Diving Squadron has been transformed into the Diving & Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG).  I am grateful to its Commanding Officer, MCDOA member Cdr Sean 'Central' Heaton MBE RN, for this information:

 

Introduction

 

Following an initial phase of Transformation in 2020 which rationalised and restructured the FDS, there have subsequently been two senior level reviews of military diving. These have resulted in direction to conduct a second more ambitious and comprehensive transformation of FDS (T2).  Through internal rebrigading DTXG is now structured to deliver Diving, Exploitation and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) force elements with greater availability, sustainability and lethality.  Capitalising on the MCMV drawdown it will be resourced to meet the additional future requirements of a more technologically advanced and deployed RN.  T2 has been forged around the previous transformation successes and now delivers a DTXG which is global, modern and ready to deliver.

 

Key Effects

 

DTXG will deliver six key operational effects:

 

Naval Special Operations (NSOps) – Specialist diving, maritime and land EOD and maritime exploitation capabilities.

 

Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) – Persistent mixed-gas underwater EOD and exploitation capabilities to the MHC.

 

Maritime Task Group (MTG) – Persistent diving and In Water Maintenance & Repair (IWMAR) support to the QEC carriers and the MTG, capable of providing Under Water Force Protection (UWFP) to the whole force.

 

Littoral Response Group / Future Commando Force (LRG / FCF) – Persistent mixed-gas diving and maritime and land EOD capabilities to the LRG or JEF(M), able to operate and integrate with Commando Forces

 

In Water Maintenance And Repair (IWMAR) – Very high readiness diving capabilities, including confined space entry, to provide IWMAR and Battle / Peacetime Damage Repair (BDR / PDR) to SURFLOT and SUBFLOT platforms.

 

Homeland Defence – Specialist diving, maritime and land EOD capabilities for MACA [Military Aid to the Civil Authorities], EOD under MOD / Home Office SLAs [Service Level Agreements] and Directives.

 

[M: Note the Echo squadron leader bio, does the capability match? "Dave assumed command of the Expeditionary Diving Group in Aug 21. " Is also in Faslane/Clyde, where there is Chalfont capability / training. Note that there are also other names with searchable profiles].  

 

#12 - Delta & Echo Squadron: (DDU1, DDU1, EDU1 = "Echo squadron")

Delta & Echo Squadron globally deploys dedicated and motivated Clearance Divers armed with world class expeditionary diving and explosive ordnance capabilities to defeat and exploit complex conventional and improvised threats. 

 Delta & Echo Squadron are ready to deploy to a Task Group Navy on, under or near the sea around the clock on every day of the year to respond to, defeat and exploit complex Explosive Ordnance (EO) threats, both conventional and improvised.

The Squadrons are made up of three units with specific skill sets in addition to the above core operations.

Assisted by small teams of enablers such as medical, logistics, communications, and Mine Warfare Specialists - who operate our Automated Underwater Vehicles, Delta & Echo Squadron are ready to deploy 24hrs a day.

#13 - Echo squadron (EDU1)

Echo Diving Unit One (EDU1) is always at very-high readiness for global contingent Expeditionary Mine-Countermeasures (Ex-MCM) operations. EDU1's specialist skill set is to exploit any explosive ordnance through Maritime Weapons Technical Intelligence (WTI(M)), including Mine Investigation and Exploitation and Maritime Explosive Ordnance Disposal (M-EOD) including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

A Clearance Diving Unit, EDU1 are capable of conducting underwater search and clearance of fairways, harbours and critical maritime infrastructure. Specialising in explosive ordnance exploitation, they can be the difference to key strategic and tactical advantage.

 Diving equipment - Heliox/trimix mix for dives down to 390 feet

The three units of Delta & Echo Squadron continue to succeed and excel at safely identifying and neutralising underwater threats, including any conventional or improvised explosive hazards, exploiting those threats to gain operational advantage. 

#14 - More about UK DTXG team

UK DTXG team is a specialized unit of the British military's Special Boat Service (SBS). The team's primary role is to conduct covert maritime operations, including intelligence gathering, sabotage, and maritime counter-terrorism. The DTXG team is composed of highly trained and experienced operators who are proficient in a wide range of specialized skills, such as diving, explosive ordnance disposal, and small-boat handling.
The Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) is a specialized unit within the British military's Special Boat Service (SBS) that is responsible for conducting a wide range of underwater operations, including diving, underwater demolition, and intelligence gathering. The DTXG is composed of highly trained and experienced divers who are proficient in a variety of specialized skills, including diving, underwater navigation, demolition, and the use of specialized equipment for conducting underwater operations.

Fleet Diving Unit 1 (FDU1) provides support to United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF). FDU1 divers neutralise any explosive threats during SBS / SAS Maritime Counter Terrorism (MCT) operations. The unit maintains a very high state of readiness. The role includes Assault Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (AIEDD).

#15 - More about the Echo Squadron 

Echo Squadron is a specialized sub-unit within the UK Royal Navy's Diving and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, known as the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG). The primary role of Echo Squadron is to provide explosive exploitation capabilities in support of naval operations.
Explosive exploitation involves the identification, recovery, and disposal of explosive ordnance in a safe and controlled manner. This is a complex and highly specialized task that requires a range of skills and expertise, including knowledge of different types of explosives, specialized equipment, and techniques for safely handling and disposing of explosive devices.
The members of Echo Squadron are highly trained and experienced EOD specialists who have undergone extensive training in explosive detection, disposal, and neutralization. They are also trained in a range of other skills, such as underwater search and recovery, diving, and tactical operations.
In addition to their primary role in explosive exploitation, members of Echo Squadron may also be called upon to support a wide range of other naval operations, including mine clearance, underwater search and rescue, and salvage operations.

The work of Echo Squadron and the wider DTXG is critical to the success of many naval operations, as well as to the safety of naval personnel and civilians in and around the area of operations. The unit's specialized capabilities and expertise enable it to operate in some of the most challenging and hazardous environments, making it a valuable asset to the UK Royal Navy.  

#16 - On 8 Feb 2022 - EXU-1, FBI Host Maritime Post-Blast Investigation Course at NAS Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. - Expeditionary Exploitation Unit 1 (EXU-1) and the FBI’s Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Section conducted a maritime post-blast investigation course at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West, Florida, Jan. 19-28. The U.K. Royal Navy Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) and three U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) teams, including technicians from EXU-1 and EOD Mobile Unit 3, collaborated to expand and develop their maritime post-blast exploitation techniques through seven days of classroom coursework, diving, and strategic case study analysis. The course coordinates the combined response of maritime exploitation capabilities by the Department of Defense, Department of Justice (DOJ), and the U.K. Royal Navy to global maritime explosive attacks from strategic competition in the maritime domain.

 “In terms of our outlook on current geopolitical events, what helps is having both of our groups looking at the same problem sets. Working together, information exchange is quite easy and prevents numerous delays. We are often in the same places and operating jointly, so our partnership constantly sharpens our skillsets and allows us to be more prepared,” he said. “Different events tie into intelligence gathering which we can all share with each other. That is critical because it allows us to be on the same page with one another before conflict happens. So when conflict does happen, we are all prepared.”

[M: No comment. Somebody will have to explain what happened there...] 

[M: Is Hersh right, am I right? Are we both right?] 

 

#17 - On 15 June 2022 - Royal Navy divers from Portsmouth undertake ‘importance’ explosives clearance using state-of-the-art drones in Lithuania.

Delta Diving Unit from the Diving & Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG) based on Horsea Island in Portsmouth, practised identifying – and neutralising – a range of explosive devices in the water and ashore across Lithuania.

[M: Practicing identification and blowing stuff. All right!]  

#18 - June 15 2022 - Experimentation on new types of unmanned underwater vehicles were also tested off the coast of Bornholm Island, Denmark during the exercise.

#19 -  HMS S120 Ambush & Alec Shelbrooke

4 October 2022 - HMS S-120 Ambush anchors in Fastlane, Clyde

[M: pls read the link, why does UK minister goes on his first visit to visit submariners in his suit, why is meeting not held on the shore? Why is the cargo bay still covered? Why is he telling "Ukrainian was is our war?" basically "we are in undeclared war with Russia" ... Why is the need to say that to them when they just seemed returned from mission???]

[Alec Shelbrooke is an ex Defence minister, it is possible to simply ask him about his role: @AlecShelbrooke, I noticed this news shortly in October why searching where were Astute class subs as I was suspicious already that such type would be the right match.]

Alec Shelbrooke - Minister of State for Defence Procurement

(In office 7 September 2022 – 26 October 2022)

In 2020, Shelbrooke was appointed Leader of the UK Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly

On 7 September 2022, he was appointed Minister of State in the Ministry of Defence as part of the Truss administration because of his overt support for Liz Truss in her leadership campaign. Shelbrooke was then immediately sacked on 26 October 2022 by the new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and returned to the back benches.

'You think you're a superpower… and you're not

 'Ukraine´s war is our war - video'

#20 - The chain of command in Royal Navy from Monarch to SBS teams

• The Queen/King: The ultimate authority of the Armed Forces is the monarch, who is the Commander-in-Chief.

• Secretary of State for Defence: The Secretary of State for Defence is responsible for the overall direction and control of the Armed Forces.

• Chief of the Defence Staff: The Chief of the Defence Staff is the professional head of the Armed Forces and is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the Defence establishment.

• First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff: This is the professional head of the Royal Navy and is responsible for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency, and morale of the Naval Service.

• Director Special Forces (DSF): The DSF is the senior officer responsible for the United Kingdom Special Forces (UKSF), which includes the Special Air Service (SAS), the Special Boat Service (SBS), and other special forces units.

• Commander UK Special Forces (C UKSF): The C UKSF is responsible for the overall command of UKSF operations.

• Commanding Officer, Special Boat Service: The Commanding Officer of the SBS is responsible for the operational command of the unit.

• Lieutenant Commander: A Lieutenant Commander is a mid-level officer who may be responsible for a department or team within a ship or shore establishment, and in the SBS, may be responsible for a specialized unit or team within the SBS.

[M: How does A.S. fit here?

Special post made: "The UK chain of command toward SBS"] 

 

Concluding questions:

What was the official reason for him being sacked?

What is his relation to the Special Boat Services (SBS) team?

What was the reason that his 1st official trip in a new position was to visit sailors?

[M: A speculation offers that not everything went good or that he was some kind of "project manager/coordinator" responsible for some part. Just guessing. It is not even clear that UK was it.]

[Update 20-02-2022 Have I sucked him by that question? Was I right about Ambush already in October 2022 just a few days after the event?]

[Update 20-02-2022 I have found out that the head of the Faslane/Clude naval base was sacked about the same time as Shelbrooke. What coincidence! Could it be that he allowed press with pictures and cameras in the base after important operation ended? ] 

Additional notes:

Denmark is aware of the vulnerability from the seabed

19 Oct 2022 - The bottom of the sea is the Danish Defence’s blind spot: 4 possible surveillance technologies

Johannes Kidmose does not consider it improbable that an enemy vessel would be able to sabotage a submarine cable, internet cable, or gas pipeline on the bottom of the sea in Danish waters without anyone discovering it before the damage has been done.

Danish frigates have no sonars on board and are thus blind to what is happening down in the depths of the sea.

[M: Is this the reason that on 22, 23, 24, 25 September the SWE navy was called in as their boats do have this capability? Could this be that DK has was somehow triggered by a submarine, asked SWE to investigate even later allowing it to access its territorial waters and so SWE navy switched off their transponders?]

 

Could it be that the UK tried to frame the USA or escalate further but USA said "do NOT" !? 

5 Oct 2022 - US considering offering to analyse underwater audio recordings to aid Nord Stream pipeline sabotage investigations. Article speaks about “sonar signature”.

[M: It means DS/SWE have real sonar records and then DK PM Mette Frederiksen arranged ad-hoc meeting and met Liz Truss in London. See the other post here. I cross recheck and reference everything! DK is supposedly not having a boat with sonars anymore in services so it may have asked SWE to help to track which submarine was in their EEZ.]

[Note that in Northwood there is a NATO and UK navy HQ - did she fly to clarify that?]  

What if it all started here?

Is it not strange, even really odd that PM makes visits to such low level all the way to a team of DTXG? This visit was also later done by Liz Truss.

 

Update 03-11-2024 - Navy Large Unmanned Surface and Undersea Vehicles: Background and Issues for Congress

OTHER UK RELATED POSTS

most of the research about UK´s role, motives has been conducted in 2023

The summary is here:

121 - Hersh´s claim vs Hard data - and - Mortymer´s Nordstream hypothesis recap

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- INDEX -

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