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Nuclear Training Simulator Arrives in San Diego

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080905-21
Release Date: 9/5/2008 3:31:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lily Daniels, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Submarine Learning Center Detachment San Diego celebrated the arrival of the fourth generation Westinghouse Aircraft Carrier Propulsion Plant (A4W) Fleet Interactive Display Equipment (IDE) Training Simulator Sept. 4, during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island.

Nearly 40 Sailors and civilians from the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program attended as San Diego became the third location to implement the simulator.

The A4W Fleet IDE was introduced to the fleet nearly two years ago in Norfolk, Va. It's also being used in Bremerton, Wash.

"This is something new to the fleet, and I've heard tremendous accolades from Norfolk and the Pacific Northwest," said Capt. Gordon Rutherford, Commander, Naval Forces Pacific, assistant chief of staff, Force Nuclear Propulsion. "I'm very pleased to see it arrive in San Diego."

Developed by the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program (NNPP), the A4W Fleet IDE simulates an enclosed operating station (EOS) for Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. The EOS is the operating area of the ship's nuclear propulsion plant. There are two EOSs aboard carriers, and each is manned with a team of enlisted watchstanders and a propulsion plant watch officer.

"This training facility has exceptional quality and offers the most realistic training short of being in the fleet." said Rutherford. "Realistic training is vital to what we do."

The A4W Fleet IDE training simulator allows EOS operators to remain proficient on their qualifications.

"We'll be able to maintain a higher operational readiness for nuclear-trained Sailors through training while in port or during maintenance periods," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SW) Terry Kunkle, leading chief petty officer, Fleet IDE.

The simulator also records scenarios, so teams can review and analyze their performance.

"In the middle of a scenario, they'll be able to pause and see what did work and what didn't work," said Rutherford. "It's a huge confidence builder because they'll be able to see themselves operate and respond to very demanding and complex scenarios."

There are nine other IDEs in use throughout the fleet, which include Ohio and Los Angeles-class submarine simulators.

For more news from Submarine Learning Center, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/slc/