YAP, Federated States of Micronesia -- U.S. Navy Seabee divers from Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 2 uncovered a cannon and met with students at Yap Catholic High School ahead of Pacific Partnership 2018 in Yap, Federated States of Micronesia, March 14-15.

Capable of providing inshore and underwater construction of ocean facilities, UCT 2 work closely with local government agencies including the State Police and Port Operations while connecting with the community through local events and school visits.

"We inspect waterfront facilities, repair, provide depth chart of channel" provide training for local marine resource divers. They do job in future"
While conducting hydrographic surveys of the ocean floor around Colonia, Yap on Mar. 14, Chief Steelworker Jesse Hamblin spotted a cannon on the ocean floor.

"We were in disbelief," said Hamblin. "Coming across an artifact that old and fragile, we knew it would be difficult to bring to the surface without damaging it."

Referring back to salvage handbooks studied during the U.S. Navy's diver's course, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Vernon Goodwin used barrel hitches of 55-gallon drums filled with air from available scuba tanks.

"We are honored to being part of discovering a little part of Yap's history, and we look forward to working with the local community to return this amazing artifact to the people of Yap," said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Tim Dailey. "We love what we do and welcome every opportunity to share our Navy story."

UCT 2 met with more than thirty students at Yap Catholic High School on Mar. 14 to discuss life as a diver and being part of the U.S. Navy team.

"It's amazing to interact with students who are engaged and interested in serving in the U.S. military," said Builder 2nd class Sean Mchugh. "It is truly inspiring to see the close relationship we have with Yap and the Federated States of Micronesia."

The U.S. and the Federated States of Micronesia continue a long history of friendship, having participated in the Pacific Partnership mission as host nation for five years with many Micronesian men and women having served or currently serving in the U.S. armed forces.

UCT 2 will be supporting Pacific Partnership 2018 in Yap from Mar. 7 - Apr. 5. Pacific Partnership, now in its 13th iteration, is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific consisting of more than 800 U.S. and allied military personnel along with non-governmental organizations.

"We look forward to being part of the Pacific Partnership mission as we continue to participate in more community events and subject matter expert exchanges throughout the coming weeks," said Utilities Mate 2nd Class James Rieger.