Underwater Demolition Team (Cyprus)


The Underwater Demolition Team, abbreviated as MYK is the Cyprus Navy's special warfare unit.

History

The Underwater Demolition Team was created in 1964, alongside the newly formed National Guard, with trainers from Greece carrying out the first underwater demolition school, only 18 graduates out of the 142 passing.
During the early hours of the [Turkish Turkish invasion of Cyprus|invasion of Cyprus|invasion], OYK, at its then base in Bogazi, was placed on alert but took no further action during the invasion.

Training

MYK's training is similar to that of its Greek and American counterparts, with a school lasting 6–8 months and candidates undergoing the necessary training before completion, including diving, demolitions and undergoing hell week.

Equipment

MYK uses an array of weapons for the execution of different types of operations they may receive.

Notable people

Many MYK operators have gained either positions within the government or have been involved in high-profile events, most important being Andreas Ioannides, who was a SEAL however serving as the commander of the Navy at the time of the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base explosion and subsequently losing his life.
Other notable people who have served in the unit are: