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What duties did underwater demolition teams perform before amphibious landings in World War II?
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special operations warfare
Members of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command training for water rescue, 2007.
Before amphibious landings in World War II, members of U.S. naval underwater demolition teams, known as frogmen, performed critical reconnaissance and preparation duties to facilitate the safe arrival of troops and supplies.
Their primary responsibilities included:
- Reconnaissance: They scouted the intended beach area to measure water depths and observe enemy defensive positions located near the water's edge.1
- Obstruction Removal: A vital function of these teams was to detect and destroy both natural and man-made underwater obstructions that posed a danger to landing craft.1
By identifying hazards and clearing the path for incoming forces, these specialized teams were instrumental in reducing troop losses during amphibious assaults.1