Phoenix International Holdings, Inc. (Phoenix), under the direction of the U.S. Navy’s Supervisor of Salvage and Diving (SUPSALV), located and recovered a downed U.S. Navy F-35C Lightning II aircraft in the South China Sea from a depth of 12,400 feet. Working aboard the offshore construction vessel Picasso, Phoenix and SUPSALV deployed the U.S. Navy’s Autonomous Underwater Vehicle “Trondheim” to locate the aircraft. The Phoenix and SUPSALV team then used the U.S. Navy’s Remotely Operated Vehicle “CURV 21” to attach specialized rigging and lift lines to the aircraft. The aircraft was lifted to the surface and hoisted aboard Picasso.
“Phoenix is honored to have played a role in this successful salvage operation for the U.S. Navy.” Pat Keenan, President of Phoenix International Holdings, Inc.