USACE Dive Safety Experts Support Overseas Construction Projects

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Middle East District
Published Sept. 13, 2019
Photo of 8 construction workers in a group shot. One is being given the rabbit ears gesture used in photos.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Little Rock District Chief of Safety and Occupational Health and certified dive safety specialist Dennis Bradley recently supported a diving operation for USACE's Middle East District in Bahrain. Bradley said although there was a language barrier with the contractor divers, they were able to overcome it with mutual respect and hand gestures. Bradley is shown here receiving "bunny ears," the universal signal that he's been accepted as part of the team.

When an organization works with a district in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, one of the benefits to them is not only getting the knowledge and expertise within that district but an entire spectrum of capabilities from across the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

That ability to reach out and utilize expertise from another district is known as reach back and it’s a resource USACE’s Transatlantic Middle East District (TAM) used when it was in need of dive safety support. While many USACE districts maintain dams, levees and other water related infrastructure with a need for dive safety expertise, TAM’s primary mission is supporting USCENTCOM and allied partners in the Middle East. Recently however, the district found itself working a pier refurbishment project for the U.S. Navy in Bahrain that included the need for safety dive plans and observation support for several dives by the contractor. 

Luckily for Melanie Barajas, TAM’s Chief of Safety, USACE civilians in other districts were willing to answer the call.

Barajas explained that prior to any dive, the contractor has to submit a comprehensive dive safety plan and it has to be reviewed and approved independently by the Designated Dive Coordinator (DDC) and a Dive Safety Representative (DSR). The dive safety plan covers numerous topics such as how the team will conduct the dive operations, the dive team’s training certificates, emergency response and rescue plans, activity hazard analyses, and much more.

“Dive operations are considered a high risk/hazard operation by USACE’s definition and require specialized support. Personnel who provide the dive support are certified through the USACE Diving Safety/Diving Supervisor/Diving Inspector/Diving Coordinator or Dive Safety Administration Course, but since we don’t have an ongoing need for something so specialized, it’s not cost effective for us to send someone to the course,” said Barajas.  “We’re fortunate that we have a strong volunteer roster of people in other districts who are certified in dive safety who are willing to help us when needed. It’s a win-win, we get their expertise and they get a great professional development opportunity, a way to gain more dive experience and the chance to see a part of the world they might not otherwise.”

One such dive safety representative was Dennis Bradley, USACE’s Little Rock District Chief of Safety & Occupational Health. Bradley said that while the skillset and mission requirements were very similar to working on a dive safety plan in the U.S., he appreciated the opportunity to work with another district and experience a change of scenery.

“Although I didn't find that the diving in the Middle East was much different than what we do in the states, it was nice to experience another culture. Everyone was very professional and respectful and when I advised the contractor of an infraction he took immediate action to correct it. Other than the language barrier I found it to be pretty much the same. They used the same equipment that we do and follow the same safety and health regulations,” said Bradley.

Bradley said even the language barrier was overcome by the smiles and gestures that kept everyone moving towards their common goal.

In addition to Little Rock District, TAM has also utilized Dive experts from the USACE Dive Community of Practice from Louisville and Sacramento Districts and also utilized the Tulsa District to review dive safety plans.

“I really appreciate the top-notch support we’ve received from everyone,” said Barajas. “It’s not just for the District but ensures our mission partners are getting the expertise they’ve come to expect.”

For his part, Bradley said he’d gladly help the district support future operations.

“I didn't consider this "just another job" because I felt like the talent that I brought to the table was well received and that everyone wanted to do what was right and I was able to facilitate that. I enjoyed my time in the Middle East and would make myself available again should they ever need my services.”


The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division serves as USACE’s tip of the spear in one of the most dynamic construction environments in the world, STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, BUILDING CAPACITY, and ENHANCING SECURITY for our nation, allies, and partners. 

We SAFELY deliver agile, responsive, and innovative, design, construction, engineering and contingency solutions in support of U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and other global partners to advance national security interests.

Transatlantic Division News

  • October

    U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Personnel Support Hawaii Wildfires Recovery

    Several staff members assigned to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division were activated to support U.S. Army Corps of Engineers response to the Hawaii wildfires.
  • Engineering the Future: The USACE’s Role in Regional Security

    When it comes to delivering engineering, design, and construction support and services in one of the world's most dynamic operational environments, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division stands as a model of excellence, adaptability, and commitment. Known as USACE’s tip of the spear, the Transatlantic Division excels in providing agile, responsive, and innovative design, construction, engineering, and contingency solutions. Supporting U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and other regional partners, the division plays a key role in sustaining and advancing enduring U.S. interests.
  • Building Tomorrow's Solutions: USACE's Commitment to Innovating Force Protection

    In a world where threats to military personnel and operations are ever-evolving, safeguarding lives has never been more critical. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is at the forefront of this mission. Providing engineering, design, and construction support and services within one of the world’s most dynamic operational environments, USACE’s Transatlantic Division is committed to providing the innovative solutions essential for protecting those serving downrange.
  • June

    USACE Expeditionary District welcomes new leadership

    The “Always Forward” U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Expeditionary District conducted a combined change of command ceremony welcoming new leadership to the only forward-deployed district serving in the Central Command area of responsibility.
  • USACE Transatlantic Division observes National Safety Month

    June is National Safety Month, and employees here are engaging in a variety of trainings designed to keep them safe on the job.
  • April

    Expertise at the Front: How USACE Experience Powers U.S. Army Success

    In the vast, dynamic landscape of the U.S. Central Command’s Area of Responsibility, the success of the U.S. Army's mission is intricately linked to the infrastructure that supports it. For more than 70 years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has played a crucial role in providing the critical engineering, design, and construction expertise that ensures operational readiness and resilience across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Levant. The Transatlantic Expeditionary District, as USACE's only forward deployed district in support of contingency operations, continues this legacy by being the sharpest tip of the spear, strengthening partnerships, building capacity, and enhancing security for our nation, allies, and partners.
  • Empowering the Future: USACE Division CSM Visits U.S. Army Engineers in Kuwait

    In a significant event aimed at fostering professional growth among U.S. Army Engineer Regiment Soldiers, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division Command Sgt. Maj. Clifton D. Morehouse held an open forum discussion with active duty and reserve component engineer Soldiers deployed to Kuwait. The engagement offered a platform for non-commissioned officers to engage directly with one of USACE’s division level senior enlisted leaders, exploring the pivotal role of engineers in achieving Army objectives and the value of mentorship and professional development within the NCO ranks.
  • Building Resilience and Respect: USACE’s Role in Sustaining Military Capacity at Camp Buehring During Ramadan

    Strategic Infrastructure is crucial for sustaining military capability, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plays a vital role in ensuring its effectiveness. As a part of monthly rotational site visit engagements, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, USACE Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, along with a team of district engineers and the district Safety chief, traveled to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, to review two key projects: the Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Udairi Landing Zone Transition Repair projects. These engagements exemplify USACE's commitment to operational excellence and project oversight.
  • USACE Strengthens Partnership for Global Infrastructure in Kuwait

    In a significant meeting held on March 17, at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, U.S. Army Col. Mohammed Z. Rahman, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Expeditionary District commander, and Viet Nguyen, Expeditionary District deputy district engineer, engaged in strategic discussions with The U.S. Ambassador and the Economic Counselor from the American Embassy in Kuwait. The engagement centered around enhancing the role of USACE in the context of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, PGII, and its implications for U.S. and allied economic and national security interests.
  • March

    USACE Transatlantic Division employee embarks on Army Coaching Program journey

    A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Transatlantic Division employee is undertaking an intense talent management program in order to help fellow employees in their careers; the first employee in the organization to do so.