USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) Prepares for El Faro Search

BAHAMAS (Oct. 23, 2015) - Contractors from Phoenix International Incorporated prepare a towed pinger locator 25 (TPL 25) aboard USNS Apache (T-ATF 172). USNS Apache departed Norfolk, Va., on Oct. 19 to begin searching for wreckage from the missing U.S. Flagged merchant vessel El Faro. The ship is equipped with several pieces of underwater search equipment, including a voyage data recorder locator, side-scan sonar and an underwater remote operated vehicle. The Navy's mission will be to first locate the ship, and if possible, to retrieve the voyage data recorder - commonly known as a black box. (U.S. Navy video/Released)