SUPSALV background:
The Navy is committed to operating in a manner compatible with the environment and meeting all federal requirements. The purpose of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Environmental Readiness Program is to ensure the ability of United States Navy forces to effectively operate world-wide in an environmentally responsible manner, both ashore and afloat. Prevention is the Navy's first line of defense, with the goal of reducing the number of spills that occur, and along with Preparedness and Response, these are the pillars of the Oil and Hazardous Substance Spill Response Program.
The Salvage Operations Division maintains standing worldwide commercial contracts for salvage, emergency towing, deep ocean search and recovery operations, and oil pollution abatement. Additionally, we own, maintain and operate the worldwide Emergency Ship Salvage Material (ESSM) system, which incorporates the world's largest inventory of salvage and pollution abatement equipment. We also own, maintain, and operate a large number of deep ocean search and recovery systems, with depth capabilities up to 20,000 feet. We also routinely provide salvage technical assistance to fleet salvors, as well as to other federal agencies.
Within the NCP, SUPSALV has been assigned as one of the "Special Teams" available to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator. SUPSALV provides assistance (personnel and/or equipment) for commercial oil or hazardous substance spills, or potential spills (i.e. salvage operations), as requested by any OSC through existing agreements with the USCG and the USACE, or as tasked by higher military authority. Assistance ranges from salvage technical or operational support to mobilization of SUPSALV and other Navy resources to support a partial or full federal response to a marine casualty.
SUPSALV has an extensive array of specialized contracts, equipment, and trained personnel available for use in these areas. Its spill response inventory is stockpiled in warehouses on the east coast (Williamsburg, VA), west coast (Point Hueneme, CA), Alaska and Hawaii, and most of it is containerized for immediate deployment by air or truck.
