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Oceaneering to Modernize Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) for US Navy Virginia Class SSN.

8 Jul, 2015 7:19 | 2015

Naval Industry News - USA

Oceaneering to Modernize Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) for US Navy Virginia Class SSN

The U.S. Department of Defense announced that Oceaneering International Inc., was awarded an $18,601,702 modification to previously awarded contract for the dry deck shelter (DDS) modernization detailed design effort.

Two Dry Deck Shelters fitted on a Virgnia class SSN. Picture: Oceaneering

Modernization efforts include extending the existing DDS by 50-inches and providing remote operations for the hangar outer door, remotely operated power handling system (i.e., track and cradle) and remotely operated hangar capability. These upgrades will allow for larger payload deployment from a Virginia-class submarine, such as larger swimmer delivery vehicles (SDV) such as Teledyne Brown Engineering's Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS) which is set to replace the existing US Navy SEALs' SDV (the MK 8 Mod 1 SEAL Delivery Vehicle).

US Navy SEALs are seen taking an SDV out of a DDS while underwater. Picture: Oceaneering

The DDS is a special purpose Deep Submergence System that supports the U. S. Navy’s Special Operating Forces, commonly known as SEALS, when embarked on U. S. Navy nuclear submarines. It is a removable module that can be attached to the back of 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, divers' air, and draining water.

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Oceaneering to Modernize Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) for US Navy Virginia Class SSN.