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Navy's First Fleet Interactive Display Equipment Training Simulator Dedicated

Navy NewStand

Story Number: NNS040827-04
Release Date: 8/27/2004 11:02:00 AM

By Journalist 1st Class Jennifer Spinner, Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- Trident Training Facility (TTF) Kings Bay unveiled the newest gem in its training crown Aug. 25 - the $5 million Fleet Interactive Display Equipment (IDE) training simulator.

TTF is the first facility to receive a Fleet IDE, which replicates the maneuvering room aboard an Ohio-class submarine. Vice Adm. Kirkland Donald, commander, Naval Submarine Forces, was on hand for the ceremonial ribbon cutting and dedication.

"If we expect our Sailors to do their jobs well, we must give them the right tools and the right training," Donald said. "This trainer accomplishes both of those goals. The Fleet IDE adds another dimension to our already remarkable nuclear training program and harnesses the power of computer technology to improve the effectiveness of our Sailors."

The Fleet IDE is a full scale and completely interactive and intuitive trainer that gives operators realistic, real-time experience in the normal operations of the ship's nuclear propulsion plant, as well as simulated casualty situations.

Instructors are able to program specific casualties that could not be simulated on the submarine. The trainer then responds to operators' reactions to the scenario with typical nuclear plant responses and the actual sounds associated with those responses.

"This trainer mimics the maneuvering room to the smallest detail," said Cmdr. Robert Palsin, commanding officer of USS Maine (SSBN 741) (Blue). "We can create any scenario imaginable, and replicate the feeling and pressures of a real situation on board the submarine. It is an excellent addition to our training program."

The Fleet IDE trainer was developed and delivered by the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP) and is the latest innovation in the NNPP's long tradition of commitment to training. The NNPP dedication to excellence through training has resulted in an outstanding safety record; since 1955 when USS Nautilus (SSN 571) first signaled "underway on nuclear power," U.S. nuclear-powered warships have collectively steamed more than 130 million miles without a reactor accident.

TTF Kings Bay is the first facility to receive the Fleet IDE. Installation of a second Fleet IDE in Bangor, Wash., should be complete by the end of the year.

The NNPP plans to deliver a Fleet IDE for each major class of nuclear-powered submarine and aircraft carrier to the larger homeports of the ships and crews in upcoming years.