The upgrade commenced, Sept. 1, 2023, and is expected to be available to the fleet, June 3, 2024.

The purpose of the trainer upgrade is to ensure submarines in Kings Bay have the most up-to-date submarine damage control equipment and facilities available, which ensure the fleet has the capabilities to combat fires both at sea and in port.

“At sea, the ability to quickly put out a fire and minimize damage is essential to a ship’s ability to remain mission ready and on station,” said Capt. Brian Turney, commanding officer, Trident Training Facility Kings Bay. “This trainer is the premiere firefighting training capability in the Navy, and soon, it will start helping the submarine crews achieve a higher level of proficiency and excellence in firefighting that has ever been possible.”

The upgrades allow two fire teams to work simultaneously in combating a dual-level fire. Within the trainer, staff are capable of simulating multiple scenarios, including a galley fire, berthing fire, two types of electrical fires and various other firefighting scenarios.

The ceremonial ribbon was cut by Turney and Tony Priester, in-service engineer, Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, who both spoke on this milestone achievement and what it means for the base and mission readiness of the submarine force as Kings Base prepares to homeport the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines in 2028.

“This facility is what I would describe as a world class facility,” said Priester. “I can tell you that our Sailors here are excited to have such a major impact in enhancing the Navy’s damage control ability. This was a complete team effort and I’m proud and honored to be a part of this team.”

Submarine Group Ten is the nation's preeminent provider of sea-based strategic deterrence, Tomahawk Land Attack Missile strikes, and unique submarine-based special operations capabilities. The base is home to all east coast Ohio-class submarines. For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit Commander, Submarine Group 10 (navy.mil) and http://www.facebook.com/submarinegroupten