Country Royal Norwegian Navy | Type Naval Clearance diver | |
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Active Frogmen: 1953 - 1968
MDK: 1968 - current Role Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD)
Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD)
Expeditionary force
Special Warfare Garrison/HQ Haakonsvern Naval Base
Ramsund Naval Base Colors Blue beret flash on navy beret | ||
Minedykkerkommandoen (MDK) or Norwegian Naval EOD Command is a clearance diver group. MDK is subordinate to Norwegian Navy Special Warfare Group Marinens Jegervåpen, which is a division of the Royal Norwegian Navy. MDK is located at Haakonsvern Naval Base in Bergen and Ramsund Naval Base, in vicinity of Harstad.
Contents
The Commando is part of the naval contribution to the Norwegian Armed Forces Intervention Force, and the command's personnel have taken part in operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Baltic states and Mediterranean, among others. The unit is often on assignment for the Norwegian Police Service with bomb disposal.
History
In 1953 the Norwegian Navy formed a frogman-unit. This unit was under the command of Ove Lund, and is the origin of the modern Minedykkerkommandoen and Marinejegerkommandoen. The mission of the frogmen was to conduct re-con and sabotage against enemy targets above and below water. The frogmen were also tasked with disarming all water-born explosive devices.
The missions gradually become more comprehensive and different frogman specialities emerged. This led to members of the unit being divided into a clearance diver team and two combat swimmer teams, in 1968.
Selection and training
General selection separates out those who do not have physical and mental abilities to start clearance diver course. A candidate must consist an strength test, fitness test and a water stress test.
After passing the general selections, an applicant attends the main selection, performed in the winter. It comprises physical and mental exercises with little food and little sleep. Few of those who enter get through.
Following selection, the potential operator start basic training for 12 months at Norwegian Navy diver and frogman school, Dykker og Froskemannskolen. This training involves all basic disciplines required to serve as a clearance diver. After training, the candidates which is eligible for operational service is transferred to MDK, to become an EOD operator. Further training is conducted domestic or abroad, at allied training facilities.