U.S. Fleet Forces Deputy Commander Visits Kings Bay

Photo By Ashley Berumen | KINGS BAY, Ga. (Oct. 6, 2022) Vice Adm. Jim Kilby, commander Task Force 80 and deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces, is shown the inside of a trainer by Missile Technician 1st Class Dominic Wolf, an instructor at the Trident Training Facility located at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. Kilby met with leaders and Sailors at various facilities during his visit to the base. The base is home to all East Coast Ohio-class submarines. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ashley Berumen /Released)  

KINGS BAY, GA, UNITED STATES

10.06.2022

Story by Chief Petty Officer Ashley Berumen 

Commander, Submarine Group Ten

KINGS BAY, Ga. (October 6, 2022) --Vice Adm. Jim Kilby, commander of Task Force 80 (TF-80) and Deputy Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, visited Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia, Oct. 6.
During his tour of the base, he visited the Trident Training Facility where officers and enlisted Sailors are trained in the knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain the Trident submarine and its associated systems.
While there, he spoke with Sailors and leadership about the high level of training conducted in each of the facility’s trainers and classrooms.
Kilby emphasized how vital training and maintenance is to the mission.
“Ohio-class submarines make up the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad,” said Kilby. “The exceptional work being done here in Kings Bay ensures that our Sailors are trained and our submarines are maintained at the highest level of readiness for this crucial mission. This is essential to keeping potential adversaries at bay.”
The nuclear triad is comprised of strategic bombers, land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, along with ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs). SSBNs main mission is strategic deterrence, which prevents adversaries from launching a nuclear attack.
“Strategic deterrence is an all-hands effort,” said Rear Adm. Thomas R. “TR” Buchanan, Commander of Submarine Group Ten. “Team Kings Bay repairs and maintains our submarines, but also trains and certifies crews ready to deliver combat power should our Nation call for it. I am particularly proud of this team and the thousands before us who have contributed to the positive Kings Bay culture over the years.”
Kilby also visited the largest tenant command on the base, Trident Refit Facility (TRF), where he spoke with personnel about essential capabilities needed to maintain the eight submarines homeported at the base.
TRF is the only shore-based submarine repair facility in the southeast. It is the Navy’s only repair facility certified for the handling of explosive ordnance and provides oversight during major maintenance periods for guided-missile submarines.
He wrapped up his tour at the dry dock, which is currently nearing completion of a three-phase $600 million recapitalization overhaul which began in the summer of 2020. It is one of the largest covered dry docks in the world.
Kilby also visited Naval Station Mayport to meet with Sailors and leadership in his role as TF-80.
Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is home to all east coast Ohio-class ballistic missile and guided missile submarines. Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines can carry submarine-launched ballistic missiles with multiple, independently targeted warheads, their guided missile counterparts can carry special operations forces and over a hundred land attack cruise missiles.

• Date Taken: 10.06.2022
• Date Posted: 10.06.2022 20:03
• Story ID: 430907
• Location: KINGS BAY, GA, US