Underwater Demolition Command
Encyclopedia
The Underwater Demolition Command , until 2002 known as the Underwater Destruction Unit , is the Greek Navy
's elite special warfare
unit.
's Underwater Demolition Team
, when two Greek officers were sent to Little Creek in Virginia to study the UDT. On their return, they trained a dozen men who formed the nucleus of the MYK. The OYK has been deployed on numerous occasions. It was deployed during the first Gulf War
in 1991, providing assistance for the naval embargo against Saddam Hussein, boarding 217 suspect vessels. In 1996, the OYK was involved in the Imia crisis when Turkish commandos infiltrated the island. Small DYK teams infiltrated surrounding islands to observe activities, pending a political solution to the crisis and withdrawal of Turkish forces. In 1997, during the violent unrest
that erupted in neighbouring Albania
, the OYK were responsible for taking control of the port of Tirana and carrying out recovery operations of Greek and other foreign diplomats.
OYK 1/2: This is the main offensive section of the OYK that specialises in sabotage, raids and maritime counter-terrorism.
OYK 3: This section specialises in reconnaissance. Establishing and reconnoitering beach landing sites prior to a main amphibious assault.
OYK 4: The section specialises in underwater demolition/EOD of obstacles that may prevent an amphibious landing
OYK 5: This section is a reserve section that is only activated in times of war or serious emergency. It is made up of reservists from the MYK and instructors from the main body.
The selection and training course lasts roughly seven months and is divided into three phases similar to that of the US Navy SEALs BUD/S course. The course has an extremely high failure rate similar to that of its US counterparts. The candidates will go on to airborne school and then continue to learn advanced naval special warfare techniques.
Hellenic Navy
The Hellenic Navy is the naval force of Greece, part of the Greek Armed Forces. The modern Greek navy has its roots in the naval forces of various Aegean Islands, which fought in the Greek War of Independence...
's elite special warfare
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
unit.
History
The unit was established in 1957 with help from the United States NavyUnited States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
's Underwater Demolition Team
Underwater Demolition Team
The Underwater Demolition Teams were an elite special-purpose force established by the United States Navy during World War II. They also served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War...
, when two Greek officers were sent to Little Creek in Virginia to study the UDT. On their return, they trained a dozen men who formed the nucleus of the MYK. The OYK has been deployed on numerous occasions. It was deployed during the first Gulf War
Gulf War
The Persian Gulf War , commonly referred to as simply the Gulf War, was a war waged by a U.N.-authorized coalition force from 34 nations led by the United States, against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.The war is also known under other names, such as the First Gulf...
in 1991, providing assistance for the naval embargo against Saddam Hussein, boarding 217 suspect vessels. In 1996, the OYK was involved in the Imia crisis when Turkish commandos infiltrated the island. Small DYK teams infiltrated surrounding islands to observe activities, pending a political solution to the crisis and withdrawal of Turkish forces. In 1997, during the violent unrest
1997 rebellion in Albania
The 1997 unrest in Albania, also known as the Lottery Uprising or Anarchy in Albania, was an uprising sparked by Ponzi scheme failures...
that erupted in neighbouring Albania
Albania
Albania , officially known as the Republic of Albania , is a country in Southeastern Europe, in the Balkans region. It is bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, the Republic of Macedonia to the east and Greece to the south and southeast. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea...
, the OYK were responsible for taking control of the port of Tirana and carrying out recovery operations of Greek and other foreign diplomats.
Structure
The OYK is organised into subsections called OYK that specialise in a particular area. Each subsection consists of 25 men split into five teams of five.OYK 1/2: This is the main offensive section of the OYK that specialises in sabotage, raids and maritime counter-terrorism.
OYK 3: This section specialises in reconnaissance. Establishing and reconnoitering beach landing sites prior to a main amphibious assault.
OYK 4: The section specialises in underwater demolition/EOD of obstacles that may prevent an amphibious landing
OYK 5: This section is a reserve section that is only activated in times of war or serious emergency. It is made up of reservists from the MYK and instructors from the main body.
The selection and training course lasts roughly seven months and is divided into three phases similar to that of the US Navy SEALs BUD/S course. The course has an extremely high failure rate similar to that of its US counterparts. The candidates will go on to airborne school and then continue to learn advanced naval special warfare techniques.
See also
- Zeta Amphibious Raider Squadron (Z' MAK) (at 1st Raider/Paratrooper Brigade (Greece) #Structure)