In the world of military excellence, the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) Best Combat Diver Competition serves as a tribute to the unmatched abilities and endurance of the military’s elite combat divers. Held from September 25 to 27, at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Training Center at NAS Key West, this event was a display of extraordinary mental and physical endurance.

13 two-person teams from U.S. Army special operations and U.S. Navy SEALs participated in this rigorous competition, showcasing their exceptional abilities in the underwater domain. This competition marked a significant milestone, being the first of its kind to include teams from services other than the Army. The teams from the Army secured the top three positions, with an impressive performance by the Navy SEALs securing a close fourth place. Every participant embodied the epitome of special operations forces, demonstrating unwavering dedication and unmatched expertise.

NAUI Worldwide took immense pride in supporting this event. As a key sponsor, NAUI Affiliate CaptainHooks Dive Centers (#1037) Platinum Pro Facility played a crucial role in making this event a success. Captain Hooks Dive Centers not only sponsored the event but also actively participated by providing one of its boats and crew, serving as the Media vessel.

NAUI’s commitment to military divers was clear through the presence of our CEO, Cliff Richardson, and two Skillbridge candidates from Captain Hooks Dive Centers. Their active involvement highlighted NAUI’s dedication to fostering excellence within military diving circles. Cliff Richardson, when asked about NAUI’s participation in the event, expressed his immense pride in supporting military divers and acknowledged their vital role in shaping the future of diving technologies.

One noteworthy aspect of events like the USASOC Best Combat Diver Competition is the technological advancements that often emerge from such rigorous testing. Many cutting-edge technologies rigorously tested by special forces operations eventually find their way into the recreational diving industry, enhancing the experiences of divers worldwide. NAUI Worldwide, with its long-standing commitment to innovation, eagerly anticipates integrating these advancements into its programs, enriching the diving experiences of enthusiasts around the globe.

The future of the competition looks promising, with plans to make the Key West training center its permanent home. The overwhelmingly positive response from team members and military personnel reveals a growing interest from various branches of the military in diving and special warfare divers. The prospect of a larger pool of participants signifies the event’s potential to become more prestigious and globally recognized in the future.

To cap off the week-long event, members of the Captain Hooks dive staff conducted an in-water demonstration of Ocean Reef’s Full Face masks. The demonstration was specifically aimed at Army dive instructors who teach at the Warfare Training Center, providing them insights into the latest equipment and techniques.

As a gesture of gratitude to the military community, Captain Hooks Dive Centers will be hosting its third free “Intro to Scuba” event on November 11. This event, open to all active and retired military members and their families, will take place at the base in Key West and serve as a token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by the military personnel and their families, offering them an opportunity to explore the wonders of scuba diving in a safe and supportive environment.

In celebrating the outstanding achievements of military divers at the USASOC Best Combat Diver Competition, NAUI Worldwide reiterates its unwavering support for the military community. Through active participation, sponsorship, and innovative initiatives, NAUI continues to champion the spirit of excellence and safety through education, fostering a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual respect within the diving community.

For more details about this event, visit https://www.army.mil/article/270372/green_berets_win_competition_as_best_combat_divers_across_special_operations