The Underwater Defence (Turkish: Su Altı Savunma), or SAS, is the one and only EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit of the Turkish Navy, based in the Foça Naval Base near İzmir, on the Aegean coast of Turkey
Underwater Defence Group Command | |
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Su Altı Savunma Grup Komutanlığı (SAS) | |
Active | 1963–present |
Country | Turkey |
Allegiance | Turkish Armed Forces |
Branch | Turkish Naval Forces |
Type | Explosive Ordnance Disposal |
Role |
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Motto(s) | "Fire, Gunpowder and Us." |
Engagements | Battle of Tillyria (allegedly)
Operation Atilla Imia/Kardak Military crisis KFOR mine clearance operation UNIFIL Operation Euphrates Shield Operation Olive Branch Operation Peace Spring |
Insignia | |
Abbreviation | S.A.S. |
The missions of the Su Altı Savunma (SAS) include coastal defence operations, such as clearing mines or unexploded torpedoes, and disabling enemy IEDs.
The first S.A.S. unit was established in 1964 in the city of Istanbul, The original name of the S.A.S. unit was Su Altı Müdafaa (S.A.M.) and is bound to the Kurtarma ve Sualtı Komutanlığı (K.S.K.), or Rescue and Underwater Command.
Their main tasks are:[1]
SAS units do not perform assault, counter-terrorism, recon or CQC missions. A real-time duty executed by the SAS has been the clearing of the Girne Beach, Cyprus, prior to the amphibious assault of the Turkish Armed Forces to the island in 1974.
Handguns
Submachine Guns
Assault Rifles
Machine Guns
Sniper Rifles
Anti-Materiel Rifles
Rockets & Explosives