The Navy's SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) - a slick, 22-foot long, jet black submersible - silently glides through dark water on a special mission. The pilot "flies" his SDV like an aircraft while closely following directions from the navigator. When SEALs go to work, they go "special delivery."

Operational scenarios for SDVs include clandestine insertion of SEALS, ordnance delivery, location and recovery of lost or damaged objects and reconnaissance. The passengers and crew breathe using an onboard compressed air system or individually worn underwater breathing apparatus (UBA).

Only 32 sailors Navywide work with the Mark 8 SEAL Delivery Vehicle.

The Mark 8 SDV is an all-electric vehicle powered by rechargeable silver-zinc batteries. The pilot controls its direction with a ballast and trim system, along with a manual control stick to move rudders, elevators and bow planes.

The torpedo-shaped underwater vehicle has a computerized navigation system that provides navigational information. An intercom system allows the crew and passengers to talk while underwater.

There are currently two SDV teams in the Naval Special Warfare Command. SDV Team 1 is located at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif., and SDV Team 2 at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, VA.

SEAL Delivery Vehicle teams are divided into platoons. A SDV platoon is composed of 16 personnel; one dive medical technician, 11 SEALs and four fleet support maintenance technicians.

 - King is the public affairs officer, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command.