Exercise Sorbet Royal 2002 Tests Navy’s Deep Submergence Unit’s Submarine Rescue Capabilities

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Commander David M. Osen, USNR

 

With ferocious force, tons of sea were shooting into the enginerooms. It was as if a huge fire hydrant, wide open, had suddenly gone berserk. The fluttering sensation … was the rush of air being shoved violently forward by the ocean as it burst into the after compartments of the Squalus.

A few moments later, in a swirl of trailing bubbles, the Squalus touched delicately on the North Atlantic floor, first her stern, then her bow. Her emergency lights were out and she had no heat. She lay helpless in 243 feet of water. The temperature outside the hull was just above freezing.

From: The Terrible Hours
Peter Maas, 1999

 
Sixty three years after rescuing 33 of 55 sailors from the sunken USS Squalus with a diving bell, the US Navy demonstrated this relatively unchanged system in Exercise ‘Sorbet Royal 2002’. ‘Sorbet Royal’ is a NATO exercise designed to demonstrate procedures and equipment for Submarine Escape and Rescue (SMER). The exercise aims to demonstrate the ability of the NATO Alliance and Partnership for Peace (PfP) Nations to cooperate in saving lives from a distressed submarine.

Members and observers of 11 NATO navies and one Partnership for Peace (PfP) navy conducted Sorbet Royal 2002 in the Kattegat, a narrow body of water off the east coast of Denmark’s Jutland peninsula, from 20–31 May 2002. Sorbet Royal 2002 tested NATO’s ability to execute a submarine escape and rescue operation. It was the fifth such exercise of its kind. (The first and third were conducted off Norway. The second and fourth were conducted in the Mediterranean.)

While the probability of a submarine accident is statistically low, more than 170 submarines have been lost worldwide over the past 100 years. The Kursk disaster in August of 2000 and the recent fire aboard the USS Dolphin were the most recent examples of the risks that submariners face. The hazards of submarining include collisions, flooding, fire, equipment failure, inadequate training, and poor seamanship. 

A disabled or distressed submarine (DISSUB) has two methods of evacuation, escape, or rescue. Most submarines are constructed with an escape hatch or tower. Unaided submarine escape can be conducted at depths not exceeding 600 feet. Below 600 feet, the ambient sea pressure imposes such severe physiological trauma that survival is considered to be unrealistic. If the DISSUB depth is greater than 600 feet or if no escape hatch is available, then the only rescue option is the use of a deep submergence rescue vehicle or a specialized diving bell, such as the Submarine Rescue Chamber (SRC), that can dock with the DISSUB.

Captain Chris Klyne, USN, ‘Sorbet Royal 02’ Exercise Director, emphasized in his opening remarks that “three things must happen for any rescue attempt to be successful. First, the crew must survive the accident. Second, the rescue assets must learn that the submarine is disabled. Normally, the DISSUB launches a distress beacon or emergency communications buoy. And, third, the rescue assets must search for and successfully locate the DISSUB.”

The time-critical nature of a submarine rescue means that large rescue and logistical organizations have to be created on very short notice. NATO does not have its own complete rescue system, so a request for assistance must be sent to several member countries in order that a variety of rescue assets can be assembled. 

Exercise Sorbet Royal 2002

 
Demonstrating the ability to cooperate in saving lives from a DISSUB of any participating nation was the primary aim of 'Sorbet Royal 02'. Several additional exercise objectives were identified: 

· Demonstrate the submarine rescue capability with multiple Submarine Rescue Vehicles and other assets.
· Conduct rescue vehicle pilot and operator training in a realistic environment.
· Demonstrate the capability and interoperability between NATO submarines, Submarine Rescue Vehicles, and assets from participating Nations.
· Foster submarine rescue techniques and provide experience and training for all involved.
· Exercise the supply of emergency life support stores to a DISSUB.
· Exercise the ventilation of a DISSUB.
· Exercise the medical organization, procedures, equipment, and communications related to SMER.
· Familiarize Nations with the range of submarine escape and rescue equipment available in the inventories of participating NATO and Partner Nations.
· Afford the Media the opportunity to gain familiarity with Submarine Rescue Vehicle Operations and to acquire media material for Submarine Escape and Rescue training.
· Develop new submarine rescue procedures and equipment.
· Test a new air-road-seaport combination for URF / SRC / LR5 deployment between the Partner Nations, which will allow NATO and Partner Forces to operate together. 

All operations were conducted under the control of the Admiral Danish Fleet (ADMDANFLEET) with tactical control based on the HMDS VAEDERREN.

Four submarines served as exercise DISSUBs in ‘Sorbet Royal 02’. Two submarines, the HSwMS Vastergotland and HSwMS Sjoorman, came from Sweden. Norway provided the HNoMS Utsira. Denmark provided the HDMS Springeren. France, Sweden, UK, and US participated with rescue vehicles and systems. Denmark, France, Norway, Poland, Sweden, UK, and US provided support ships. Canada, Denmark, France, Greece and US provided divers. The UK and Greece provided Submarine Parachute Assistance Groups (SPAGs) as well. 

Argentina, Australia, China, India, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, and Ukraine sent observers to the exercise. Observers visited each of the ‘Sorbet Royal 02’ participating units. By all accounts, the observers were happy with what they saw.

Unmanned Vehicles
Upon arrival at the DISSUB’s location, the first task is locating the submarine. The US Navy Deep Submergence Unit (DSU) Unmanned Vehicle (UMV) Detachment operates a Klein 2000 side scan sonar system for conducting deep ocean searches. The Klein 2000 system consists of a side-scan towfish, an overboard deployment sheave, a tow cable/tow winch and a recording device.

The UMV Detachment employs two types of towfish, each with different operating frequencies. The 50 kHz towfish provides increased target range with adequate target definition and can be towed at a higher speed. The dual frequency 100/500 kHz towfish detects targets with improved target detail and clarity but is normally towed at a slower speed. Mission requirements dictate towfish frequency selection.

 

Super Scorpio

 
The DSU UMV Detachment operates two Super Scorpio Remotely Operated Vehicles. The Super Scorpio weighs 4800 lbs, and it can operate at depths down to 5000 feet. It includes two Conan style manipulators that are capable of lifting up to 350 lbs at full reach. Super Scorpio has three 250-watt incandescent lights and two high intensity lights. Super Scorpio contains various camera combinations including Closed Circuit Display (CCD) type black and white cameras, a one-chip color camera, or a special “pencil” camera used in conjunction with special tools. Outfitted with a new digital sonar system, the Super Scorpio now has its own inherent search capability.

Super Scorpio is a highly versatile, self-contained deep diving remotely operated vehicle. The Super Scorpio system consists of the vehicle, handling system, maintenance van and an operations van. All equipment is capable of short notice worldwide flyaway on a USAF C-5 Galaxy transport.

 

Submarine Rescue Chamber
The DSU’s Diving System Detachment operates the Submarine Rescue Chamber (SRC) and support equipment. The SRC is a flyaway system capable of worldwide submarine rescue missions. Once launched, the SRC is able to operate around the clock.

The SRC can conduct rescue operations to a maximum depth of 850 feet and at a maximum angle of 30 degrees. The SRC weighs 21,600 lbs (dry) and maintains 1000 lbs of reserve buoyancy. Two operators control the SRC, and it can rescue up to six individuals per trip. 

The SRC consists of upper and lower compartments, ballast tanks, downhaul gear, air motor, and water ballast cans. The upper compartment is maintained at atmospheric pressure, and it contains the operators, passengers, and controls. The lower compartment is open to the sea, and seawater is removed during the mating process. The lower compartment contains the downhaul drum and spooling device. The ballast tanks are normally dry, but they are flooded during the mating process. The ballast tanks can be used to alter the mating angle to a maximum of 30 degrees. The SRC support equipment provides air, power, and communications. The chamber is fully operational in the advent of loss of electrical power. The support equipment includes a control console, rack mounted air banks, diesel driven high-pressure air compressors, diesel driven generators, and a lightweight mooring system. The complete system can be loaded on one US C-5 “Galaxy” transport or two US C-17 “Globemaster” transports.

SRC Operations
Divers, Atmosphere Diving System, or a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) must first attach the downhaul wire to the submarine hatch. In ‘Sorbet Royal 02’, the Super Scorpio ROV attached the downhaul to the DISSUBs. The SRC uses the downhaul wire to drive down to the submarine. Next, the SRC mates with the submarine. A seal is formed by differential pressure as water is removed from the lower compartment. The seal is augmented by hold down rods. When pressure is equalized between the submarine and the SRC, the submarine hatch is opened and personnel are transferred into the SRC. Water ballast cans, which are used to compensate for the weight of passengers, are drained into the submarine. After transferring personnel, the hatches are shut, the hold down rods are removed, and the downhaul wire is reattached. The seal is broken, and the SRC travels to the surface where personnel are transferred to a support vessel through an access hatch at the top of the chamber.

 

‘Sorbet Royal 02’ Travel and Logistics
DSU crewmembers loaded the SRC on a C-5 transport at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego. The C-5 flew to Aalborg Airport with one fueling stop at Gander Air Force Base in Newfoundland. Total flight time was 14 hours. From Aalborg, the SRC was trucked to Frederikshavn Naval Station where it was embarked on the Danish Vessel of Opportunity (VOO) HDMS Gunnar Seidenfaden (A 561). The ‘Gunnar’ is a Danish navy auxiliary vessel normally responsible for oil pollution cleanup. This exercise demonstrated the ability to use a VOO to host the SRC Flyaway System. Gunnar is 175 feet long, it displaces 750 tons, and it carries a crew of 16.

The Super Scorpio was shipped by truck from San Diego to Norfolk, Virginia where it was loaded aboard the Dolores Chouest for the voyage to Denmark. The UMV Detachment operated Super Scorpio from the Dolores Chouest throughout the exercise. Unlike most US Navy vessels, Dolores Chouest is a civilian owned and operated ship. The ship is under contract to the US Navy to provide a platform for operating the Navy’s deep submergence and submarine rescue equipment. ‘Dolores’ is 240 feet long, it displaces 1500 tons, and it has a crew of 7 civilians. It accommodated 22 US Navy personnel for ‘Sorbet Royal 02’.

First Ever US Pod Posting Exercise
One of the many highlights of ‘Sorbet Royal 02’ was the first ever Pod Posting exercise (PODEX) conducted by the United States. Pod Posting provides a means of delivering emergency supplies to the DISSUB crew while they wait for a rescue vehicle to arrive. The Pod is a four-foot long stainless steel canister that weighs about 250-300 lbs dry and about 30 lbs in the water. The UMV detachment loaded the Pod into the HSwMS Västergötland using Super Scorpio.

The PODEX is coordinated using underwater telephone. First, the DISSUB crew rigs a special basket in the escape trunk. Next, they shut the lower hatch, flood the trunk, and open the upper hatch. The UMV detachment then loads the Pod into the escape trunk. After the Pod is inserted into the trunk, the DISSUB crew shuts the upper hatch, drains the trunk, and opens the lower hatch to retrieve the Pod. In ‘Sorbet Royal 02’, the Pod was loaded with a plaque and souvenir t-shirts for the crew to commemorate the occasion.

 

SRC Rescue Exercise
Of course, the DSU Diving Systems Detachment’s main objective at Sorbet Royal was the successful conduct of a Rescue Exercise (RescueEx) with a DISSUB. At ‘Sorbet Royal 02’, the SRC mated with the HDMS Springeren and HNMS Utsira and transferred personnel onto and off of each submarine. ‘Sorbet Royal 02’ represents the first ever deployment of the SRC to the European theater, and it is only the second SRC deployment outside of North America. The first SRC overseas deployment occurred during exercise Pacific Reach 2000 when the SRC was sent to Singapore. According to LCDR Fred Bahrke, USN, the Submarine Development Squadron Five Diving and Salvage Officer, the US Navy decided to make the SRC a worldwide flyaway capable system in the early 1990s. 

In a typical rescue operation, SRC would transfer technical and medical support specialists to the DISSUB along with any additional life-support stores that might be required. The chamber, which is capable of operating at depths down to 850 feet, would then commence a cycle of personnel transfers, evacuating up to six persons at a time.

 

Medical Exercises

 
‘Sorbet Royal 02’ incorporated significantly more medical play than any previous submarine escape and rescue exercise. Medical exercises were conducted every day of the exercise, and medical exercises were conducted on every major exercise platform and on shore. More than 40 undersea medical doctors and specialists from around the world participated in Sorbet Royal 02. The undersea medical community is relatively small compared to other medical specialties, so it is conceivable that the doctors and specialists participating in Sorbet Royal would be called upon to support any submarine rescue.

Injuries sustained on a submarine casualty can range from minor cuts and bruises to major burns, broken bones, and other major injuries. If the DISSUB is pressurized, the escapees may suffer from decompression sickness. Tight spaces, rough seas, and risky at sea personnel transfers further complicate the medical aspects of a submarine escape and rescue scenario.

 

Escape Exercise
Another ‘first’ for the US Navy was the first ever escape by US naval personnel from a foreign submarine. CDR Bruce Cohen successfully escaped from the HSwMS Västergötland at approximately 100 feet below the surface. If a rescue vessel is not available to save the crew of a sunken submarine, the survivors must perform a buoyant ascent. The alternative is a slow death from carbon dioxide poisoning or hypothermia. Escape by buoyant ascent from a damaged sunken submarine is not a simple task. 

CDR Cohen was wearing the Submarine Escape and Immersion Ensemble (SEIE) Mk 10 suit. The origins of the SEIE suit can be traced back to the Momsen Lung developed by Swede Momsen in the 1930s. The Royal Navy developed the current version of the SEIE suit in the 1950s, and most navies of the world employ it. The SEIE Mk 10 has been successfully tested to depths as great as 600 feet, and it provides full-suit thermal protection plus an integral one-man life raft. 

The US Navy recently began deploying the SEIE Mk 10. Prior to incorporating the SEIE Mk 10 on US subs, two ship alterations (ShipAlts) must be completed on the submarine’s escape trunk, and the US submarine force is installing the ShipAlts gradually while the submarines conduct major availabilities.

Debrief and Analysis
A full debrief and analysis of Exercise Sorbet Royal 02 will take place at COMSUBEASTLANT Headquarters in Northwood, England in mid-September 2002. Initial reactions to Sorbet Royal have been highly favorable, in all areas of command and control, interoperability, medical performance, and the performance of the rescue assets and personnel involved. The next ‘Sorbet Royal’ exercise, scheduled for 2005, will be named ‘Sorbet Royal 05’, and it will be conducted in the Mediterranean with Italy agreeing to be the host nation.
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Last updated: 11 June, 2002.

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