Three wounded warriors embarked on an underwater expedition Wednesday for a test run of a new veteran’s rehabilitation program. Restoring Our Oceans Together, or ROOT, aims to draw attention to the crumbling reefs nearby Fort Lauderdale while simultaneously empowering disabled veterans.

Air Force Master Sgt. Joseph Deslauriers lost both legs and an arm while serving in Afghanistan. Jeff Glasser was a U.S. Army infantryman injured in a motorcycle accident. Navy vet David Williams was wounded while stationed in Japan. Once these warriors slip on their wet suits and scuba gear, they can leave their disabilities on land while they explore the ocean floor.

“Even if it’s just for that 35 or 40 minutes you’re at the bottom,” Deslauriers said, “You’re away from whatever your disability is.”

In addition to giving vets a new cause to champion, the weightlessness and calm of diving helps relieve the physical pain of a devastating injury and exercise the body in ways that are impossible on land.

ROOT is sponsored by Nova Southwestern University, Divebar and therapeutic diving program DiveHeart.