Underwater Demolition Team (Cyprus)

The Underwater Demolition Team (Μονάδα Υποβρυχίων Καταστροφών), abbreviated as MYK (ΜΥΚ,) is the Cyprus Navy's elite naval 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 invasion, OYK, at its then base in Bogazi, was placed on alert but took no further action during the invasion.



Training
MYKs training is simillar to that of its Greek and American counterparts, with a school (BUD/S) lasting 6–8 months and candidates undergoing the necessary training before completion, including diving (Open and closed circuit), demolitions and undergoing hell week.

Equipment
MYK uses an array of weapons for the execution of different types of operations they may receive.
 * FN SCAR
 * IWI Tavor
 * AK-74
 * M-16
 * FN Minimi

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:


 * Costas Fitiris (Former Commander of the Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center and Chief Marina Officer of the Ayia Napa Marina)


 * Fidias Panayiotou (Currently serving as an Member of the European Parliament)