Operation Deep Blue Information

Operation Deep Blue is an annual long-distance sea kayak expedition conducted to increase awareness of law enforcement officers, other first responders and military service members who died in the line of duty as well as raise funds for related charities and surviving family members. Over an eight day period, the Operation Deep Blue team paddles more than 225 miles from Fort Mott State Park in Pennsville, NJ to Washington, DC. In addition to honoring all officers, first responders and military service members who died in the line of duty, each Operation Deep Blue team member selects an individual hero, who made the ultimate sacrifice, to honor throughout the expedition. In preparation for the expedition, the team trains year-round to include paddling throughout the winter in sub-freezing temperatures. During the expedition, the team’s skills, physical endurance, mental toughness and commitment to honoring our fallen heroes are tested as they paddle as many as 10 hours each day in a variety of challenging and rapidly changing conditions.