• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

USS Henry M. Jackson Undergoes Submarine Escape Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070829-01
Release Date: 8/29/2007 10:40:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Henry M. Jackson (HMJ) (SSBN 730) (Blue) underwent training on the MK-10 Submarine Escape and Immersion Equipment (SEIE) (Size Suit) at the Naval Base Kitsap Bangor Fitness and Aquatic Center on Aug. 20.

The training showed Sailors safe procedures on escaping from a submarine in distress at depths reaching 600 feet.

“We just got the new size suits to replace the Steinke Hoods,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SS) Josh McGaughey, HMJ (Blue). “So, we are here trying them out and learning how to use them. This training is valuable because if we didn’t have this we would have two guys teaching 300 people how to use these suits.”

The training covered the physics and medicine involved with submarine escapes, as well as parts and components of the MK-10 SEIE and raft.

The MK-10 SEIE is designed to enable a free ascent from a distressed submarine and provide protection for submariners reaching the surface. It is comprised of a submarine escape and immersion suit, an inner thermal liner, and a gas inflated single seat life raft, which is all contained in an outer protective stowage compartment.

“The training is great. I love it,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Dan Kohlbeck, HMJ (Blue) chief of the boat. “I think in the long run, this type of equipment will save Sailors' lives because it increases the survivability of the Sailor in the event of an emergency.”

To use the equipment, Sailors have to put on the suit and go into the rescue chamber on the submarine. Once in the chamber and ready, the Sailor signals by tapping on the inside of the chamber with a ball-peen hammer. Then the chamber is flooded, which takes about 90 seconds at 600 feet. When the water pressure in the chamber is equal to the water pressure on the outside, the outer door to the chamber opens and the Sailor shoots to the surface because of the buoyancy of the suit.

“This training is very important,” said Chief Warrant Officer Charles Senter, Center for Explosives Ordnance Disposal and Diving Detachment Pacific diving officer. “If Sailors were ever in a disabled submarine situation, they would need this type of training to know how to don this equipment and what to expect when they evacuate the submarine.”

The assembly was tested from 130 feet deep by six U.S. Navy Divers and one diver from the Royal Navy in December. The divers left the hull of the USS Los Angeles (SSN 688) wearing the suits and ascended to the surface with no complications. It was also successfully tested from a depth of 600 feet by the Royal Australian Navy.

“This is 100 percent better training than I received as a junior Sailor and I think it’s a good thing for the submarine force,” said Chief Electronics Technician (SS) John Barton, HMJ (Blue). I was surprised at how comfortable the new suits were. I was able to move around easily. The raft was easy to manipulate and all the valves are easy to use.”

The MK-10 SEIE is the last resort to use in an escape situation. Other options for submarine escape are a deep submergence recovery vehicle or a submarine rescue chamber.