Citizen-soldiers assigned to the 232nd Engineer Dive

Citizen-soldiers assigned to the 232nd Engineer Dive Detachment, 92nd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Puerto Rico National Guard, conduct water familiarization training at the pool in Camp Santiago Joint Maneuver Training Center, July 8, 2014. Spc. Cesar Rodriguez and Sgt. Carlos Ortiz, both qualified 12 Delta Deep Sea Divers, receive instructions from Staff Sgt. Alvin Flores on how to properly secure the diving equipment underwater, while remaining calm in depths that could reach up to 190 feet, in the event that the equipment may become loose due to harsh water currents. A deep sea diver’s job is to inspect and clean watercraft propellers and hulls, patch damaged watercraft hulls, salvage sunken equipment, patrol the waters, assist with underwater construction of piers and harbor facilities, survey rivers, beaches and harbors for underwater obstacles. The commander for the 232nd Engineer Dive Detachment is 1st Lt. Josie Avilés. (National Guard photos by Sgt. Pablo Pantoja, Public Affairs Office, PRNG)