What prompted the establishment of the U.S. Navy diving program?

The establishment of the U.S. Navy diving program was significantly prompted by the need for specialized personnel who could perform tasks such as locating and disarming underwater mines, which were used extensively during conflicts, posing threats to naval operations. The ability to deploy skilled divers for such missions became crucial as underwater warfare evolved. These divers, often referred to as "skin swimmers," were trained to operate effectively in challenging underwater environments, enhancing the Navy's capabilities in maintaining maritime security.

While other factors like surgical underwater operations, salvage operations, and emerging underwater threats contributed to the expanding role of diving within the Navy, the immediate and direct need for divers to handle mines was a pivotal reason for the program's establishment. This focus helped shape the training and specialization required for effective underwater missions and contributed to the development of advanced diving techniques over the years.