Blue of the ocean - Airman's World - navy divers - Brief Article

Airman, Oct, 2002 by Richard Kaminsky

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- To practice his skills as a certified navy diver, Staff Sgt. Brian Sharman doesn't head for the open water. He's off to the aquarium.

Assigned to the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron, Sharman is one of two explosive ordnance disposal airmen who maintain the certification as part of their jobs.

"During weekly half-mile, timed swims, we had to sing our respective service songs while treading water without using our arms," Sharman said. "The loudest singer were allowed out of the water first, and I quickly earned the nickname Air Force One."

Since area waters are rich in sediment, there's virtually no visibility. So, to ensure he could stay qualified, the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston let him swim with the sharks in the facility's 330,000 gallon ocean exhibit tank. The tank is home to 13 species of sharks and more than 300 varieties of fish, invertebrates and turtles.

"It was quite unnerving having large sharks encircle me in a closed environment," he said. "At one point one of the smaller fish nipped me. Subconsciously, I thought one of the larger sharks had bumped into me."

According to Sharman the highlight of the experience was outside the tank.

"The most enjoyable part of being in the tank was interacting with the kids" he said. "The kids [visiting the aquarium] waved and gave me high-fives through the glass-viewing window."