In March 2025, Project Recover completed its first mission to Palau. This mission had two goals:
(1) An underwater investigation and survey of an MIA-associated F4U Corsair crash site in Malakal Harbor for a possible later recovery operation and
(2) Terrestrial evaluation of the possible role of environmental DNA (eDNA) and other technologies in a jungle setting as aids in locating unmarked MIA-related grave sites of interest.
A close up of Brock Stevens primary EDC for the trip to Palau. Including the Project Recover team mission patch.
In the hot, humid jungles and the constant onslaught of saltwater in Palau on my last Project Recover mission, the Terrain 365 LUK-AT proved to be an ideal companion. After days of moving around in dense jungle and hours diving in the water, the Terravantium blade never exhibited any rust or corrosion. That peace of mind was a huge benefit, and kept me focused on the mission without wondering if my knife was going to survive the trip.
Derek searches the wreckage of the Corsair. (Photo Credit: Brock Stevens)
The LUK-AT surprised me at how much it could do for its size. It is compact enough to carry all day, yet it was large enough to be used for everything from cutting line and webbing to making quick field repairs to gear. The grip stayed grippy even when doused with humidity or saltwater. The simple, robust build allowed me to treat it like a true field tool
The LUK-AT strapped to the shoulder strap of my diving BC in PalauAn F4U Corsair photographed in Palau in 1945. The men of UDT-10 onboard USS Burrfish in 1944. From left to right, they are: Chief Howard “Red” Roeder, Emmet L. Carpenter, Bob Black, John MacMahon, and CPO John Ball. Howard, MacMahon, & Black are believed to be buried on Palau. (Photo Credit: Navy SEAL Museum)(Photo Credit: Brock Stevens)
After being put through its paces on that trip, the LUK-AT quickly earned a trust that only time in the field and harsh conditions can provide. Faced with heat, humidity, and saltwater in Palau, it didn’t just survive, it thrived, and it proved to be exactly the kind of tool you want with you on a mission like this. Author: Brock Stevens Terrain 365 was honored to have our LUK-AT accompany the recovery divers on their mission. Rustproof and ready. Adventure tools for all terrains.
