Navy SEALs operate in some of the most challenging environments on earth, including underwater combat zones. This list explores the specialized methods and equipment SEALs use to carry and deploy firearms underwater, providing insights for military enthusiasts, tactical professionals, and anyone curious about elite special operations tactics.
1. Use of Underwater Pistols Like the Heckler & Koch P11
The H&K P11 is a rare example of a purpose-built underwater firearm designed for SEALs and combat divers. It fires electrically ignited, supercavitating projectiles that remain effective underwater up to about 15 meters, overcoming the resistance water provides. Its sealed design prevents water ingress, and its multi-barrel configuration allows multiple shots without reloading, critical in underwater engagements.
2. Deploying the APS Underwater Assault Rifle
The APS (Avtomat Podvodny Spetsialny) is a Soviet-era underwater rifle that some SEALs have tested or adapted for use, though it is not standard U.S. equipment. It fires steel darts designed to travel through water at high velocity, enabling longer-range underwater engagements than pistols. The APS requires special training due to its unique ballistics and maintenance challenges in saltwater environments.
3. Using Standard Firearms in Waterproof Containers
SEALs often carry conventional guns like the SIG Sauer P226 or MK25 pistol in waterproof cases during underwater insertions. These cases protect the weapons from water damage and pressure but require the SEAL to surface and quickly deploy the weapon. This approach balances familiarity with standard firearms and the need for protection during transit underwater.
4. Employing the Trident Underwater Spear Gun as an Alternative
While not a firearm, the Trident is a specialized underwater spear gun used by some SEAL divers for silent, close-quarters engagements. It offers a stealthy alternative where gunfire could give away presence. Its design allows quick reloads and high accuracy underwater, complementing firearms in specific mission profiles.
5. Using Specialized Holsters and Mounts on Rebreathers
To carry guns underwater, SEALs mount pistols or compact rifles onto their closed-circuit rebreathers or harness systems. These mounts secure the weapon during swims and allow rapid access upon surfacing or during shallow-water combat. The design minimizes drag and prevents snag hazards in complex underwater terrain.
6. Utilizing Supercavitating Ammunition Technology
Supercavitating rounds create a bubble of gas around the projectile to reduce drag underwater, enabling higher velocity and accuracy. SEALs use or test such ammunition in specialized underwater weapons to extend effective range beyond traditional limitations. This technology is crucial for maintaining lethality in submerged firefights.
7. Training with the SIG Sauer MK25 Modified for Underwater Use
The MK25 is a variant of the P226 pistol specifically adapted for Navy SEALs, featuring corrosion-resistant coatings and sealed components. While not designed to fire underwater, it is carried for immediate surface combat after underwater infiltration. SEALs train extensively to transition from underwater movement to rapid weapon deployment on land or boat.
8. Employing Underwater Communication and Targeting Systems
To enhance underwater combat effectiveness, SEALs use integrated communication gear and targeting aids in their helmets or masks. These systems help coordinate weapon deployment timing and target acquisition despite limited visibility and communication challenges underwater. They indirectly support firearm use by improving situational awareness.
9. Using Dry Boxes for Ammunition Storage
SEALs store extra magazines and ammunition in waterproof dry boxes attached to their gear. These containers protect ammo from moisture and saltwater corrosion, ensuring reliability when reloading after surfacing. Proper ammo preservation is critical for mission success and weapon functionality.
10. Mastering Rapid Transition Drills from Underwater to Surface Combat
SEALs practice drills that enable them to quickly surface, draw their firearm, and engage threats with minimal delay. These transitions require muscle memory and precise gear management to avoid fumbling equipment or losing situational advantage. Such training is essential since underwater firing options are limited and often require surfacing first.
How to Choose
When selecting how to carry guns underwater, the mission profile is paramount. For close-range underwater defense, specialized underwater pistols like the H&K P11 or APS rifle are ideal. For covert insertion with surface engagements, standard pistols in waterproof cases or mounted on rebreathers are preferred. Considerations include weapon reliability in saltwater, ease of access, drag reduction, and compatibility with diving gear. Training and familiarity with the system also heavily influence choice, as rapid deployment under stress is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can regular guns be fired underwater?
Regular firearms are generally ineffective underwater due to water resistance and risk of damage; they are usually carried in waterproof containers and fired only after surfacing.
Q: What is supercavitating ammunition?
It is specialized ammo designed to create a gas bubble around the bullet, reducing drag to allow effective underwater firing at short distances.
Q: Why don’t SEALs use underwater guns more often?
Underwater firearms have limited range and ammo capacity, so SEALs often rely on stealth and quick surfacing to use standard weapons.
Q: How do SEALs keep their guns from corroding?
They use corrosion-resistant coatings, waterproof containers, and rigorous maintenance routines to protect weapons from saltwater damage.
Q: Are underwater firearms standard issue for all SEALs?
No, underwater firearms are specialized tools used only in specific mission sets; most SEALs primarily train with conventional weapons.
Q: How deep can underwater guns be effectively used?
Underwater firearms are generally effective only at shallow depths (up to about 15 meters) due to pressure and ballistics limitations.
Final Thoughts
Carrying and using guns underwater requires a blend of specialized equipment, rigorous training, and mission-specific tactics. Navy SEALs employ a range of solutions from purpose-built underwater pistols to waterproof storage for conventional weapons, balancing stealth, lethality, and reliability. Understanding these methods highlights the complexity of underwater combat and the elite nature of SEAL operations.
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