NSWC launches search for airman

Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City (NSWCPC), Fla., began Nov. 15 a continuous 24-hour operation to recover the remains of Air Force Staff Sgt. Cole Condiff who made an “unplanned plane departure” from a C-130 over the Gulf of Mexico on Nov. 5, according to a media release. An NSWCPC crew launched the R/V Patriot equipped with Klein side-scan sonars, six unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), and three remotely operated vehicles (ROV). The side-scan sonar technology is monitored around the clock by multiple operators and will allow for more search time on station. “The death of Staff Sgt. Condiff is devastating and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and his unit,” said Capt. Aaron Peters, NSWCPC commanding officer. “We are hopeful that our efforts bring him home and offer some measure of relief to his family.” The UUVs will search the 29 square kilometers area and any data retrieved will be examined by the ROV. NSWCPC conducts research, development, test, and evaluation of mine warfare systems, mines, naval special warfare systems, diving and life support systems, and other missions that occur in the littoral or coastal regions. NSWCPC has been called to support similar recovery operations in the past. (Source: NSWCPC 11/15/19)