Michael A. Woods, BM1 (DSW)
Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2
Little Creek, VA.

Originally from Warren MI, I currently live in Suffolk VA. with my wife Laura and 2 sons Eryth and Ian. In July 1993 I left home and joined the U.S. Navy. I had joined the Navy with hopes of becoming a deep sea diver; unfortunately at the time the Navy was no longer recruiting boot camp divers. Two years fleet experience and achieving the rank E-4 were the requirements for candidates to attend dive school, so off to the fleet I went. As an E-1 new in the Navy I was sent to the USS Emory S. Land, a submarine tender stationed in Norfolk VA. Once aboard, the Land I was sent to work in the R-6 division carpenters shop. Fortunately for me, the division I had been sent to was the same division the divers worked in. After 6 months of harassment, I was sent to work for the divers as a Mud Puppy or wanna be diver(loads of fun). I spent 3 years on the ship and was sent to the U.S. Navy Diving and Salvage Training center (NDSTC) in Panama City FL. Other commands I have been attached to were Roosevelt Roads Puerto Rico(law enforcement), SIMA Norfolk (Underwater Ships Husbandry), NDSTC(1st class diver training, Salvage Construction Demolition Diver training). I am currently at Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU 2) at Little Creek VA. After checking in at MDSU 2, I requested and was approved to attend the Saturation diver course. My command allowed me to take part in an earlier Aquarius mission (NEEMO 7) and what an awesome experience it was; Thanks. This will be my first Sat dive and I can not think of a better place to accomplish it. I am looking forward to the work and the experience. All the Aquarius employees are great and I couldn't wait to get back here to work with them again.