Photo By Lt.j.g. Andrea Perez | SILVERDALE, Wash. (Nov. 19, 2020) Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research...... read more read more
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SILVERDALE, Wash. (Nov. 17, 2020) – Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research Development, and Acquisition James F. Geurts visited Commander, Submarine Group 9 and other strategic-deterrent support units in the Pacific Northwest, Nov. 17.
Geurts’ visit comes two weeks after the office of ASN (RD&A) awarded a $9.47 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat to officially begin construction on the first of its class ballistic-missile submarine USS Columbia (SSBN 827).
“It was great to see the important submarine training and work in the Pacific Northwest,” said Geurts. “I was impressed with how the Sailors used their training tools to improve their warfighting proficiency, and by the work being done to develop new submarine technologies. The efforts in the Northwest will be key to keeping our edge at sea as well as keeping our competitive advantage by ensuring we keep the future Columbia on track. It was a pleasure to visit such a motivated group of Sailors and civilians that are making it happen.”
The office of ASN (RD&A) is responsible for the development and acquisition of Navy and Marine Corps platforms and weapon systems. Geurts has authority, responsibility and accountability for all Navy acquisition functions and programs, and represents the Department of the Navy to Congress on such matters; responsible for equipping and supporting Sailors and Marines with the best platform, systems and technology.
Geurts began his visit with a tour of Trident Training Facility Bangor, where he spoke with the Naval Sea Systems Command Technical Onsite Agent for TTF Bangor Steve Stephenson, who recently led his submarine trainer maintenance team to perform a software upgrade to one of TTF Bangor’s critical submarine trainers. Traditionally, such an upgrade would require heavy travel, a team of nearly 12 and almost a month of work, but Stephenson’s crew performed the system upgrade with a small on-site team in less than two weeks. Geurts presented Stephenson with a coin to show his appreciation for his team’s hard work and successful accomplishment.
“Knowing this was the first time an upgrade like this had ever been done onsite, everyone was a little nervous, but my team did very well” said Stephenson. “I knew my team was capable of [the upgrade] and I appreciate being allowed to take on the challenge, and the recognition that we received with it. It just proves that my submarine trainer maintenance team is the strong and capable team I knew they were.”
Following his tour of TTF Bangor, Geurts visited Trident Refit Facility Bangor, which is the primary maintenance facility for the West Coast SSBN fleet. The TRFB team is comprised of approximately 500 military and 1,500 civilians. TRFB Quality Assurance Specialist and NAVSEA Certified Fiber Optic Instructor Edward Santana met with Geurts to explain how TRFB developed new fiber optic technology during a tour of TRFB’s Delta Pier.
“We have been working very hard on developing a new system for fiber optics [at TRFB],” said Santana. “We are proud of the work we’ve put into this technology and what it could mean for the Navy in the future.”
TRFB’s principal mission is to support the nation’s strategic deterrence mission by repairing, incrementally overhauling, and modernizing the Ohio-class and the future Columbia-class until the end of service life.
“It was an honor to show Mr. Geurts what we do here at TRF Bangor,” said Capt. Robert Figgs, commanding officer Trident Refit Facility Bangor (TRFB). “It was fitting the visit took place in the midst of a pandemic and on a rainy day as it provided insight into the everyday professionalism and tenacity of Team TRFB - this is what we do - we diligently work through barriers and innovate along the way in order meet the strategic deterrence mission on time.”
Geurts also met with Commander, Submarine Development Squadron 5 during his multi-day visit. COMSUBDEVRON 5 is charged with multiple submarine warfare mission areas, including submarine rescue operations and the activities of its three Seawolf-class submarines; and developing and testing new submarine warfare capabilities, including unmanned undersea vehicles.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 9, visit https://www.csp.navy.mil/csg9/ or www.facebook.com/SubGru9.
| Date Taken: | 11.17.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 11.20.2020 14:43 |
| Story ID: | 383376 |
| Location: | SILVERDALE, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 728 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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