Memorial Day Reflection: Honoring the Legacy Beneath the Surface

The commercial diving industry stands on the shoulders of those who served with honor. Many of the most skilled and respected commercial divers in our field today began their journeys in the military – as Navy Divers, Combat Divers, or members of specialized underwater operations units. These individuals brought with them not only advanced technical capabilities but a mindset forged in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable.

Military service instills values that align closely with the principles of professional diving: a commitment to mission success, unwavering discipline, situational awareness, and trust in your team. These are not just admirable traits-they are essential to safe and effective diving operations, especially in the high-risk environments where we operate.

On Memorial Day, we solemnly honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness serve as a reminder of what it truly means to commit oneself to something greater. But Memorial Day is also a moment to recognize the enduring impact that military veterans have had—and continue to have—on our profession.

Veterans who transition into commercial diving do not leave their values behind when they take off their uniform. They carry forward the same standards of performance, respect for protocol, and mission-first thinking that characterized their service. Their influence is visible across every facet of our industry: in the training and mentorship they provide, in the emphasis on safety and readiness, and in the sense of responsibility they instill in the next generation of divers.

In many ways, commercial diving becomes a continuation of their service. The environment changes – from battlefield to seafloor – but the purpose remains: to perform with precision, to protect those around you, and to complete the job with integrity.

As we remember the fallen today, we also express our gratitude to the veterans who remain active in our community. Their presence strengthens our teams, elevates our standards, and reminds us of the deeper values that guide our work beneath the surface.

Hooyah.

Anthony Greenwood