US USN USMC Pilot Survival Kit Desalter Sea Water Mk2 Type 2 Dated 1972

The US USN USMC Pilot Survival Kit Desalter Sea Water Mk2 Type 2, dated 1972, is a piece of military survival equipment issued to United States Navy and Marine Corps pilots. Designed for use in emergency situations, this desalter enables downed aircrew members to convert seawater into potable water. The Mk2 Type 2 is a compact manual device, typically included in pilot survival kits during the Vietnam War era. It consists of a plastic body housing a filtration and chemical treatment system, with clear instructions printed on the exterior. This type of desalter was essential for aircrew operating over and around oceans or large bodies of water, helping to ensure survival in case of ditching or bailout at sea. The item reflects technological adaptations to the practical needs of military personnel during the Cold War period. This particular example is dated 1972 and retains its original markings and instructional text.