Riggers at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY IMF) converted an out of service “mini-sub” into a unique training tool.
The mini-sub, the Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS), which was damaged and taken out of service after a severe fire in November 2008, is now used for hands-on training of multiple trades that work on submarines.
“The confined space of the mini-sub replicates the experience on a boat,” said Jerry Mershon, Continuous Training and Development (CTD) program analyst at PHNSY. “This multi-trade mock-up provides a realistic environment for deckplate workers to put their classroom training into practice.”
To better prepare workers, ASDS’ two inner chambers are being converted to replicate Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class interiors. Shipyard personnel have already performed some hands-on training using the mock-up. PHNSY will continue to develop multi-trade training scenarios for the ASDS mini-sub trainer to reinforce classroom training and practice performance techniques.
Taken out of service after the fire, ASDS was put in storage at the shipyard. Kamuela Unga, CTD leader, noticed the hull last October and developed his plan to put it back to work. Needing a hands-on facility that falls in line with the Naval Sea Systems Command CTD program initiative, he pitched turning the mini-sub into a training platform. Along with Superintendent Quentin Peralto, Unga proposed that Shipyard leadership keep the mini-sub intact so that PHSNY could benefit from a single, realistic training platform that the entire waterfront workforce could use.
Once approved, the work to convert the mini-sub began. Studs were removed from the outside hull and it was given a fresh paint job. Internal wiring, light fixtures and 120 volt outlets were installed. The end domes were cut and removed to allow free flowing air to circulate through and to provide emergency egress. The mock-up was inspected to ensure no hazmat elements were present and that it aligned with safety and Shipyard instructions. A significant “productioneering” effort with PHSNY production shops and engineering is ongoing and will continue to be a driving force in the realization of this multi-functional training platform.
[mappress] Press Release, October 10, 2014; Image: US Navy