Case Studies

Solutions for government’s most complex problems.  

NATO Submarine Escape and Rescue Working Group​

Each July, designated representatives from NATO and NATO partner countries meet in Amsterdam to advance the goals of submarine rescue programs.  The Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System (SRDRS), maintained by the US Navy, and the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS), maintained by Britain, France, and Norway, represent the most advanced assets in this niche, but critical naval competency.

Accordant CEO Jeffrey Payne served as the Working Group Recording Secretary and United States Deputy Head of Delegation from 2010-2012.  While in these roles, Payne managed US ratification positions on NATO Standardization Agreements relating to submarine rescue and Navy diving.

Payne also represented the Pentagon at the submarine rescue exercise BOLD MONARCH 2011.  Held off the coast of Spain, BOLD MONARCH included representatives from many NATO countries.  During this exercise, Payne conducted an operational analysis comparing SRDRS and NSRS.  He also had the rare privilege of riding SRDRS as it lowered and docked with a Portuguese submarine intentionally bottomed below.