Navy

Mini-Submarines Covertly Transport Soldiers From Nuclear Submarines

The United States Navy SEALS are made up of some of the most elite soldiers in the world. Trained to operate on coastlines, ships, and on land, Navy SEALS often are often deployed to missions from nuclear attack submarines, miles away from their target. The SEALS then utilize a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SVD) to help them reach their destination. 

The SDV Mk.8 Mod 0, also known as the “Gator Class” SDV, is a small, low profile mini-submarine that is used to transport a number of SEALS underwater to their destination. Named after James “Gator” Parks, a retired SEAL and engineer who was a major driving force in the development of the SDV, the SDV allows SEALS to covertly enter enemy territory underwater whenever parachuting or simply crossing on foot aren’t an option.

The Gator SDVs are capable of carrying between six to eight SEALS and their gear. In the front of the mini-submarine there are two SEALS, the driver and navigator, with four to six passengers sitting in the rear. The mini-submarines have extra storage containers for mission gear such as LAM mines, magnetic mines that attach to a ships hull to blow a hole in it.