Insertion/Extraction

Dry Deck Shelter (DDS)

The Dry Deck Shelter (DDS) allows for the launch and recovery of a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) -- or a large number of SEALs in F-470 Zodiac Inflatable Boats -- from a submerged U.S. nuclear submarine. This 40’ long, 65,000 pound shelter is attached to the deck of one of five Los Angeles class submarines that have been specially modified to be capable of employment with a single DDS. The DDS provides a dry working environment for the SEALs during underway operations. It consists of three modules: a hangar to stow an SDV or multiple Zodiac boats; a transfer trunk to allow passage between the modules and host submarine; and a hyperbaric recompression chamber. In a typical operation, the DDS hangar module will be flooded, pressurized to the surrounding sea pressure, and a large door opened to allow for launch and recovery of the vehicle. A DDS can be transported by U.S. Air Force C-5/17 aircraft, rail, highway, or sealift.

General Characteristics
  • Length Overall:  39’
  • Width:  10’
  • Weight:  65,000 lbs
  • Volume:  3,705 cubic feet
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