CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE.

CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, SC -- To practice his skills as a certified navy diver, Staff Sgt Brian Sharman doesn't head for the expand water. He's off to the aquarium.

Assigned to the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron, Sharman is single in kind of two explosive ordnance disposal airmen who maintain the certification as part of their jobs

"During weekly half-mile, timed swims, we had to sing our respective service strains while treading water without using our arms," Sharman said. "The loudest singer were allowed gone out of the water first, and I quickly earned the nickname Air Force One"

Since area waters are rich in sediment, there's virtually no visibility. thus to ensure he could stay qualified, the toward the south Carolina Aquarium in Charleston give permission to him swim with the sharks in the facility's 330000 gallon ocean exhibit tank. The tank is domestic circle to 13 species of sharks and more than 300 varieties of fish, invertebrates and turtles

"It was quite unnerving having large sharks encircle me in a clos environment," he said. "At single in kind point one of the smaller fish nipped me Subconsciously, I speculation one of the larger sharks had powered into me."

According to Sharman the highlight of the experience was outside the tank.

"The greatest in quantity enjoyable part of being in the tank was interacting with the kids" he said. "The kids [visiting the aquarium] waved and gave me high-fives within the glass-viewing window."

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